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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

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

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

This double 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 last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1