Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good 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 Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
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 thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display 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 renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"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. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
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