Igor Jesus Fires a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Win over Hungarian Opponents

The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages 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 far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart 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 making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence 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 Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

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

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1