Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post 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 that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic 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 positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
