Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce 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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.