Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place 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 go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

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 that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 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 shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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

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

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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 the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
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• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.1