Igor Jesus Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

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

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a good step."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands

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

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09