Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached 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 Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for 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 last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"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 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.