Igor Jesus Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded 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 berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to 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 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 the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted 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 might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

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

Napoli striker 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' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09