Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture 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 confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort 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 escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place 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 atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
