Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes 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 place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
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 response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
