Forest's Striker Scores Twice as The Reds Round Off Europa League Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

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

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

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

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

"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09