Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City 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 Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
