Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European 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 their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It's more than 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.

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

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition 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 game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

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