Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents
At a Glance
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- Bence Otvos deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- The striker's fifth goal in Europe puts the team in command.
- Striker nets again with a sharp finish in the latter period.
- The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a spot-kick.
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered 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 the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, 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 positive one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On
Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome 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 honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Star Performer
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- #24: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.63
- #6: Average Rating 8.01
- #31: Rating 7.94
The Visitors Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the score displayed represents the mean from all the submissions.
