Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
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