Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining 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 Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.