Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

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.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye 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 Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.09