Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached 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 doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), 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 players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
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' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the votes.
