Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place 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 atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
