Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident 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 headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing 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 Premier League relegation zone 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 integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1