Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified 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 clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors â who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane â but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later â the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side 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: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat 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 stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee 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
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
FerencvĂĄros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
