Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield 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 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round 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 is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

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

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09