Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
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 season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
