Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker 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 turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived 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 shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals 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.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
