Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw 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 result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager 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 standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double 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 providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.
