Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09