Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

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 dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a good one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

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

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09