Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors 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 reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to 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 dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal 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 backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"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 positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes 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 observing 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 goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
