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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike 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 past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the tournament.

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be providing motivation.

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

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

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

Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.09