Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

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

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright 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 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 firing an effort 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 break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City 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 pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1