Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – 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 Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – 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 timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel 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."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season 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 signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention 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 reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
