Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Victory over Hungarian Opponents

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making 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 belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

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

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

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

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.09