Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), 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 well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap 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 commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the votes.
