Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's European strike puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
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' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
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 spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, 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 Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
