Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a opening period lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in control.
- Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a great display with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post 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 that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a good one."
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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals 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 the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Star Performer
#19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Average Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Notable Players
- B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
- Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1
After the opportunity to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the mean from all the votes.
