Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker 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 already secured a place 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 the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival 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 previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
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 the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
