Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

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

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager 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 six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward 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 superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

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

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

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

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