Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came 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 the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
