Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place 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.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
