Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, 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 the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
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