Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder 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 all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six 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 prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
