🔗 Share this article Forest's Striker Fires a Brace as The Reds Conclude European Group Stage with Win over Ferencvaros The Brazilian forward has now scored 11 goals in all competitions for the club this campaign. Match Summary The home side were previously qualified to the knockout round. Bence Otvos own goal gives hosts a first-half lead. Igor Jesus' fifth goal in Europe puts Forest in control. Forward nets again with a clinical effort in the second half. James McAtee caps a great performance with a spot-kick. Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium. Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required several results to go their way. That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen. A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on. Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season. The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper. That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye. Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos. "It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche. "That was another stride forward, but it is a good step." Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League. This double also means he has scored 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 last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands. This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs. Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed. Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday. "The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager. "I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality. "McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs." Star Performer Number: 19 Igor Jesus Match rating: 9.10 Forest Top Players #19: Average Rating 9.1 #24: Rating 8.75 #22: Average Rating 8.6 I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01 N. Milenković: Rating 7.94 Ferencváros Notable Players B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14 Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12 K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1 After the opportunity to submit ratings has closed, the score shown is the mean from all the votes.