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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with six of his eleven strikes 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 signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09