Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright 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.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"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.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
