Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed 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 header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face 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 collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score displayed is the average from all the votes.
