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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring 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 – the striker firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the impressive McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham 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 entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

"This is another stride forward, but it is a good step."

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition 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 previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his place in the forward line could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

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

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.

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

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.01
• #31: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

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