Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side 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 place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals 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 about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor 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: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
