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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters confidence that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.

The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

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

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands

Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was observing this match from the directors' box.

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee producing his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just about displaying your quality.

"McAtee was very good and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Key Performers

• #19: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• #16: Rating 4.09