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Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post 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 then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against 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 entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker 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 impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1