Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys 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."

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions 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 increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1