Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage 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 sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
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 brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display 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 pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
