Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee 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 Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck 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 then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City 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 Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
