Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph 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 fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display 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 first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was 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 term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
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