Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net 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 campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
