Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel 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 New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
