Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
