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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes 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 early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either the Turkish side or the Greek club.

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

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

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

Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in European competition this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

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 welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

"All you can ask for is a reaction," continued the manager.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.1