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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 comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off 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 – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where 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 collectively well, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals 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 producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

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 welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.1