Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 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 Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw 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 result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
