Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker 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 Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
