Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
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