Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest 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 squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
