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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to go their way.

That did not happen but this assured display will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the upright with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the result, 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."

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with six of his 11 goals scored in the tournament.

His brace also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place 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, producing two superb finishes and overall being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.

Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

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

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09