Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), 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 players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- JĂşlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.
