Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

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

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

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

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from 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 draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.

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

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1