Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen 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.
A Ferencvaros midfielder 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 opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net 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 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 shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
