Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw 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 players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
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