Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"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 was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating shown represents the mean from all the votes.
