Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although 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 home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen 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 dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal 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 goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
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 welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
