Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into 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 display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker 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 deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.

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

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.

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

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City 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 welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

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