Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- The home side were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives Nottingham Forest a opening period lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a excellent display with a penalty.
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing 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 game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.1
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