Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side 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 stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
