Forest's Striker Scores a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

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

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

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

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six 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 attack could be spurring him on.

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

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

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

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