Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered 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 assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright 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 a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
