Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce 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 whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another step, but it is a good step."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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