Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through 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 away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect 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 stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
