Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1