Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
