Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
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 the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
