Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

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 Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings 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 match from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

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