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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09