Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side 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 – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than 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.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half 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 threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
