Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
