Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.
