Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in 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 season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce 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 whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half 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 position in attack 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' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
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