Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, 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 step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
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 the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
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