Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
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