Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control.
- Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half.
- James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike 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 the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again 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 knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where 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 whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.
"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.10
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.8
- #22: Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
- #16: Rating 4.09
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the submissions.
