Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos 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 clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"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 good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.