Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield 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 soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe 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 prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
