Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines 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 tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings 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 their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1