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

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to 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 dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with 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 fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1