Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing 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 several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 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 shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
#19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the submissions.
