Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post 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 then on.
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 shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back 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 defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
