Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header 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 early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
