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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield 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 campaign.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off 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 hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently 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 Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• #16: Average Rating 4.09