Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through 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 ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
