Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though 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 two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
