Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), 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 players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone 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 the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1