Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute 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 tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just 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.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
