Forest's Striker Fires Twice as The Reds Round Off European Group Stage with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a spot-kick 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 Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

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

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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