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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

The forward's 11th came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," added Dyche.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1