At a Glance
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive one."
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"All you can ask for 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 Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."
Number: 19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
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