Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

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

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

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes 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 attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09