Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
