Match Summary
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's 11th came 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 Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
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 welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.
"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
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