Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph 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 slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, 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 positive step."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position 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.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt 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 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 dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1