Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
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 the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display 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.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap 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 commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
