Igor Jesus Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1