Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
