Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere 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 Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace 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 providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.