Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock 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 squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement 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.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.
