Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence 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 Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09