Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
