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The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

Forest had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, although they required other matches to fall in their favor.

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

Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the opening stages for the away team – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and added a second shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

Jesus' eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.

The third strike killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.

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

"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

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

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Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.

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 providing motivation.

Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was observing this game from the directors' box.

That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two superb finishes and generally being a constant threat to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also impressed.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host their London rivals on the weekend.

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

"I've never questioned their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.

"McAtee was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another couple and these are good signs."

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• #19: Rating 9.10
• #24: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Rating 8.6
• #6: Rating 8.01
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Ratings

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