Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six 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 a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in 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 fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
