Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post 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.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games 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 watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention 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 response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
