Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes 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 deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

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

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

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1