Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net 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.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
