Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
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 needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
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 three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
