Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
