Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game 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 performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright 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.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – 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 escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw 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 is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"That was another step, but it is a good one."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey 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 switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.1