Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
