Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker 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 Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

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

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half 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 prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09