Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again 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 qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
