Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, 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 positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
