Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages 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 Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot 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 escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off 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'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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.