Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes 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 turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place 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 feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
