Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection 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 second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #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: Average Rating 4.09
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