Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright 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 then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), 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 manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive one."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope 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 work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the average from all the votes.
