Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham 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 previous two outings 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 observing this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.