Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe 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 threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
