Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright 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 that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, 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: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got 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 recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye 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 welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
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