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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this game with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to go their way.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest 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 squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two superb goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

The forward was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

Such positive showings 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 the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

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