Forest's Striker Scores Twice as Nottingham Forest Conclude Europa League Campaign with Win over Ferencvaros

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header 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 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 back 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 break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

"This is another step, but it is a positive one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

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 host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

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