Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield 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.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
