Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week 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 the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
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