Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – 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 a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six 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 threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
