Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck 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 broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward 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 mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
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 Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two 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: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
