Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope 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 response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
