Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
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 half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored 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 watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
