Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off 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 next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
