Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings 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 Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
