Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce 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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect 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 match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
