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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, 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 step."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games 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 observing this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

Such positive showings 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 the weekend.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your quality.

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

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.09