Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."

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

This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

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

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City 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 pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued Dyche.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1