Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- 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 the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
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