Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header 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 early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season 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 a challenge for his position 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 directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
