Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
