Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round 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 last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward 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 Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal 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.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
