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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, although they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently 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 impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09