Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face 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 entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
