Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team â coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane â but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after â the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw 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 guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
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 spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. MilenkoviÄ: Average Rating 7.94
FerencvĂĄros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- JĂșlio RomĂŁo: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
