Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
