Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off Europa League Group Stage 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 comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture 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 confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer 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 threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

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

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

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Ferencváros Ratings

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