Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
