Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- 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 the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham 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 collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.