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

Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, even though they needed other matches to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright 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.

Forest opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

Jesus' 11th arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.

That goal ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

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

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

Team Breakdown: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Watches On

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

This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of competition for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and runs.

The forward was not the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.

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

"All you can ask for is a response," continued Dyche.

"I have always trusted their commitment or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

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

Star Performer

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.94

The Visitors Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Average Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.1