Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest 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 – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where 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 whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
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