Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing 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 league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header 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.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye 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 host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1