Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, 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 positive one."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

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

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention 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 reaction," added Dyche.

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

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1