Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
