Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They 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 – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
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