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

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

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

"It is not just the result, there was that feel 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 positive step."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display 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 fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

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