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

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick 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 Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker 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 thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09