Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat 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 game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1