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

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1