Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages 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 Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect 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 opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
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