Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
