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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached 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 added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel 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 one."

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Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

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

That 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 speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display 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 turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09