Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side 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 added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye 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 welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
