Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

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

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect 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 stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1