Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth 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.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, 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 good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
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 providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
