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The Brazilian attacker scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a comfortable triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident performance will give Forest fans belief that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort 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 Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

The forward's eleventh goal arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort beyond the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on the final Friday of January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.

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

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Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.

This double also means he has scored three goals in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily and he was watching 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 the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

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

"James was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are positive indicators."

Star Performer

Nottingham Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
• J. McAtee: Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.63
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Average Rating 7.9

Ferencváros Notable Players

• B. Yusuf: Rating 4.14
• #66: Average Rating 4.12
• K. Zachariassen: Rating 4.09