Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright 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.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty 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 (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance 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 switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
