Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), 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 players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

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

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