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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

That goal ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either the Turkish side 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.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.

His brace also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was very good and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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