Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored 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 position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances 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 Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
