Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot 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 beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for 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 excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
