Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third 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 European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor 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 got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention 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," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.
