Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
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 home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen 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 that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), 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 stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance 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 renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
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