Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal 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.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half 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.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism 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," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
