Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

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

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

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

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus 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," added the manager.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09