Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham 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 whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.
