Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield 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 campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where 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 whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Igor 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 three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.