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

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

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings 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.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.

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

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09