Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – 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 deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
