Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed 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 performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1