Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's European strike puts the team in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the average from all the votes.
