Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half 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 rounds off a excellent display with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.