Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection 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.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort 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 that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
