Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
