Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham 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 guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
