Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- The home side were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker nets again with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required other matches 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 two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
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 welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
