Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
