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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

The hosts 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 go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through 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 away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition 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 the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from Manchester City last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism 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 dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09