Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward 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 deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel 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 one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match 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 generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
