Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker 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 doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition 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 scoreline, 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 stride forward, but it is a positive step."

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

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• #19: Rating 9.10
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