Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
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