Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
