Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- 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 scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post 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 dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
