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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as New Signing Watches On

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week 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 Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"James was very good and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

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