Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09