Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright 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 then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals 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 a challenge 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 the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.
