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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition 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 game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal 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 making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

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

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing 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 response," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

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