Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring 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 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from 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 (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the mean from all the votes.
