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

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

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

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

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of 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 atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions 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 Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," added the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09