Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

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

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

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

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09