Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached 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 deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
