Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance 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 berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off 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 is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition 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 position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
