Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere 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 positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus 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," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
