Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence 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 impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week 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 the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
