Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James 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 is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, 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 stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace 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 best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
