Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, 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 step, but it is a good step."
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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals 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 brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
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 score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
