Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), 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 well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.
