Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery 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 atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
