Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in command.
- Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round 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 atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- #22: Average Rating 8.63
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.12
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown represents the average from all the submissions.