Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

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

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing 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.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing 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 pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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