Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages 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.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
