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Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort 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 that point forward.

Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' 11th came 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 the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

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

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 providing motivation.

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

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

The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.

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

"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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