Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), 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 collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
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