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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

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

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1