Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

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

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.

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 visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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