Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck 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 dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing 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 fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.