Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header 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 opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

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 the Greek club.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1