Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win 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 game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel 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 positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
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 welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
