Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where 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 collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
