Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of 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 feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for 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 quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
