Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where 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 players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
