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

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal 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.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a good step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

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