Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed 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 a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

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

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 visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

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

"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1