Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
