Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
