Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb 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 McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism 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," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.