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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and went into this game with a small chance of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured performance will give Forest fans belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his eleven strikes scored in the Europa League.

His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb goals and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

Such positive showings will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

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

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• #16: Rating 4.09