Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest 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 doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort 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 break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect 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 watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
