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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1