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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

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

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

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

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a response," continued the manager.

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1