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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they needed several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your ability.

"James was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• #19: Rating 9.1
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Ferencváros Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
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• #16: Average Rating 4.1