Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge 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 match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye 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: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
