🔗 Share this article

Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck 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 that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came 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 making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

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

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09