Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield 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 eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
