Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily 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, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
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