Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest 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 Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double 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 game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
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