Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"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 one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge 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 game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
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