Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," 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
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
