Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th 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 shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
