Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings 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.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
