Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, 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 welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
