Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results 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 last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
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