Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

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

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

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

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining 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 welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09