Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance 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 triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term 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 threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
