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

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

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

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

"This is another stride forward, but it is a positive one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

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

His brace also means he has scored three goals 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 last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent 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 turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09