Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker 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 Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
