Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as Nottingham Forest Conclude European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

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

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.1