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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

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

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good one."

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, 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 Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09