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

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage 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 small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages 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 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

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