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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

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

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

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

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

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

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

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 their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09