Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans 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 opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than 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."
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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
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 providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
