Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
