Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence 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 could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place 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 Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1