Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes 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 early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where 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 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."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
