Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
