🔗 Share this article Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros The Brazilian forward has now notched eleven strikes in every tournament for the club this season. Match Summary Forest were already through to the play-offs. Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead. The striker's European strike puts the team in command. Striker adds a third with a sharp finish in the second half. James McAtee caps a excellent performance with a penalty. Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium. Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor. Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16. A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on. 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 four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season. Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper. That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye. Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side 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 entire team," said manager Sean Dyche. "That was another step, but it is a good step." Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League. This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation. Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box. This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs. Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well. Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend. "All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche. "I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability. "McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators." Star Performer Number: 19 The Striker Match rating: 9.1 Forest Key Performers #19: Average Rating 9.10 #24: Average Rating 8.75 #22: Rating 8.63 #6: Rating 8.0 #31: Rating 7.94 The Visitors Notable Players #11: Average Rating 4.14 #66: Average Rating 4.12 K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09 Once the chance to submit ratings has closed, the rating displayed is the average from all the votes.