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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – 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 added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike 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 place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

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 pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining 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 turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1