Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
