Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus 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 home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack 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 impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
