Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions 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.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off 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 former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display 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 Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
