Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team â coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane â but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later â 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 made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just 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 step, 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 European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings 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," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- N. MilenkoviÄ: Rating 7.94
FerencvĂĄros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- JĂșlio RomĂŁo: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
