Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
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 City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors â coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane â but it was dominantly the home side 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 added a second four minutes later â Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
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 reaction," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- N. MilenkoviÄ: Rating 7.94
FerencvĂĄros Notable Players
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed is the mean from all the votes.