Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing 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 fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
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 – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 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 collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope 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," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
