Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages 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 far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss 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 revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international 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 welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
