Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham 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 guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a positive step."

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

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

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 match from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09