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

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

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post 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 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

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

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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

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

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1