Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck 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 dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort 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 escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
