Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker 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 already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1