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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a positive one."

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 half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

This double 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 providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.

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

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

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Ratings

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1