Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added 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 Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
