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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions 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.

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

That did not happen but this confident display will give Forest fans confidence 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 header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

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

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention 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 Dyche.

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09