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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – 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 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, 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 commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09