Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
