Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 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 past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys 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 scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the mean from all the submissions.
