Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
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 Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the average from all the submissions.
