Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring 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 – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
