Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far 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 goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just 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.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
