Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club 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 response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
