Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief 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 opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," 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 Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
