Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery 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 scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is 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 Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
