Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.