Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half 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 performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
