Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's 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 excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box 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 Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games 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 observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
