🔗 Share this article

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in 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 campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09