Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros
At a Glance
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts the team in control.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
Jesus' 11th 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 killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good step."
Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, 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 renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Top Players
- Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.1
- #66: Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
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