Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

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

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), 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 guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.

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

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09