Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European 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 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 great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap 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 loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.