Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post 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 that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came 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.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a good one."

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

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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