Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance 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 visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one 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 impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.09