Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos 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 early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for 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 place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
