Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

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

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent 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 James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

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• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09