Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post 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 broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot 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 made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest 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.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
