Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages 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 Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed 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 the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: 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: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
