Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game 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 confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw 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.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals 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 last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed represents the average from all the votes.
