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

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 City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game 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 confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

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

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.1