Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest 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.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face 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 whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored 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 the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward 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 Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
