Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
