Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage 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 convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City 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 pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09