Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
