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

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

That did not happen but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They broke the deadlock in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

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

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

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

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in attack could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.

This development may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, producing two superb finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

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 in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism 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 response," added Dyche.

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.

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

Player of the Match

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.1