Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat 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 Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
