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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel 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 step."

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09