Igor Jesus Scores 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.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit 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 then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart 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 Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing 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 tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.