Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest 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 four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place 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 atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
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