Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post 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 added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1