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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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