Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence 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 first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side 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 four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike 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 backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.