Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth 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 lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
