Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side 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 – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham 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 whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge 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 match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
