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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere 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 good one."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

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 got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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