Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – 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 early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where 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 collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome 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 loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09