Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance 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 the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright 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 then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
