Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate 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 Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international 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 host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.