Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09