Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, 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 step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap 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 have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
