Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six 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 competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline 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 signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
