Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

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

The hosts had already secured a place 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 other matches to fall in their favor.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled 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 feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

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

His brace 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 providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: 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