Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief 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 header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just 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."
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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
