Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

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

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture 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 team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the result, 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."

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

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three 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 about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1