Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed 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 go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield 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.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham 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 well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, 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 European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker 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 excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the submissions.
