Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest 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 required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate 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 visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
