🔗 Share this article

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

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored 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 brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication 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."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1