Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a penalty.
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.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel 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 New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
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 host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
