Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making 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 belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
