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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 convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they required other matches to go their way.

That did not happen but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

Kristoffer Zachariassen struck the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his tenth strike of the campaign.

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

The third strike killed off the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again 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 takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.

"It's more than the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

Team Breakdown: Jesus Catches Eye as New Signing Observes from Stands

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

This double also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his last two games and the threat of competition for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his pace and runs.

Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome their London rivals on Sunday.

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

"I've never questioned 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. Jesus got another two and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• #24: Rating 8.8
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• I. Sangaré: Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

The Visitors Ratings

• #11: Average Rating 4.1
• #66: Rating 4.1
• K. Zachariassen: Average Rating 4.09