Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker 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 deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty 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
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
