Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off 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 ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence 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 Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition 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 outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome 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 ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
