Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
