Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- 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 Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just 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.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for 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 last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently 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 the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
