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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

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

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place 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 Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09