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

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a good one."

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

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

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1