Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against 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 well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
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Igor 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 scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
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 the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"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 incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
