Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder 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 dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
