Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 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 beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.