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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

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

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

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

The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a positive one."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing 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 speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, 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 bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

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

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