Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, 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."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
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