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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen 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 dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It's more than the scoreline, 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 stride forward, but it is a positive step."

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing 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 in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye 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 their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

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