Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward 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 turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

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

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09