Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th 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 shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
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