Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season 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 competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
