Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
