Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere 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 Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.