Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

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

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

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has got 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 directors' box.

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

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1