Match Summary
- Forest were previously qualified to the play-offs.
- 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 clinical effort in the latter period.
- The midfielder caps a great display with a penalty.
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It's more than the result, 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 one."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing 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 pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
#19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
Forest Top Players
- #19: Average Rating 9.10
- J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
- #22: Rating 8.6
- I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
- #31: Average Rating 7.9
Ferencváros Ratings
- B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
- #66: Rating 4.12
- K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1
Once the chance to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the average from all the votes.
