Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.