Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face 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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
