Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
