Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with six 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 competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09