Forest's Striker Fires Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League 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 well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. 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."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1