Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), 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 whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals 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 recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
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