Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's 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 European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header 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 early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double 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.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
