Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs 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 assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

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

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

"That was another step, but it is a good step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1