Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.
