Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game 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 display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

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

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.1