Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

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

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently 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 impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09