Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort 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 turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.