Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing 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 pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
