Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side 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 the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured 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 post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
