Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender own goal gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post 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 added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
