Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header 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.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.
