Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off 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 next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes 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 place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
