Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed 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 turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than 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 positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
