Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
