Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – 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 deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.