Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six 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 competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
