Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
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 all Forest from then on.
Forest 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 firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings 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 game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
