Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing 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 small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing 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 increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
