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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

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

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another step, but it is a positive step."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

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