Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through 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 all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
