Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"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 step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye 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 reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.