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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended 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 penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery 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 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 positive one."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six 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 position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

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