Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), 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 manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09