Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off 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 knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header 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.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike 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 past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery 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 penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
