Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive one."

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching 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 pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

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

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1