Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward 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 the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
