Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place 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 other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – 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 Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere 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 good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest 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 Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
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