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

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort 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 early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1