Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required 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.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than 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.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six 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 position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
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 their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.
