Igor Jesus Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

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 comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors 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 other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing 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 switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1