Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On
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 scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the rating shown is the average from all the submissions.
