Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line 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 Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.

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

"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09