Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing 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 switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
