Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

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

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1