Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture 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 confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09