Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win 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 small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

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

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09