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

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

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 welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09