Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest 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 season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off 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 result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
