Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
