Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
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 win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the submissions.
