Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
