Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage 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.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus 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 already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts 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 runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
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