Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

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

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere 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 positive one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition 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 match from the stands.

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

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances 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 the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09