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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required 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 advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side 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 Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

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

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 the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in 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 the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added the manager.

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

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