Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance 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.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility 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 confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back 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 escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double 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 providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
