Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors 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 reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest 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 draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players 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 Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Notable Players
- #11: Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the submissions.
