Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings 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 Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
