Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
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 spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
