🔗 Share this article Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents Igor Jesus has now notched 11 goals in every tournament for the club this campaign. At a Glance Forest were previously qualified to the knockout round. A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead. The striker's European strike puts Forest in control. Forward adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half. The midfielder rounds off a excellent performance with a penalty. Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium. The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to go their way. That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16. A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward. Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season. Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper. The third strike ended the visitors' 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 Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye. The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club. "It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche. "That was another stride forward, but it is a good step." Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League. His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation. Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands. That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement. Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well. These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday. "The minimum requirement is a response," continued the manager. "I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability. "McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators." Star Performer #19 Igor Jesus Average rating: 9.10 Forest Key Performers #19: Rating 9.10 #24: Average Rating 8.75 #22: Rating 8.63 #6: Average Rating 8.0 #31: Average Rating 7.9 Ferencváros Notable Players #11: Rating 4.14 Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12 #16: Rating 4.09 Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating shown is the mean from all the votes.