Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- Forest 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 rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of 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 guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- #24: Average Rating 8.8
- R. Yates: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.0
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Rating 4.09
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the average from all the votes.
