Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline 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 James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham 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 well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
