At a Glance
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled 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 feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.10
After the opportunity to rate players has ended, the rating shown represents the mean from all the submissions.
