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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.

That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side 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 shortly after – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as New Signing 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 scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in attack could be spurring him on.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee turning in 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 Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.75
• R. Yates: Rating 8.63
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.1
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09