Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team 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 concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), 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 well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
