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

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward 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 turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled 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 result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1