Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header 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 that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed 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 last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
