Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort 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.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good 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 eleven strikes coming 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 position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added 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 Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
