Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – 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 a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored 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 attack could be spurring him on.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued 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 incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09