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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.

The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of reaching the league's elite, although they needed several results to fall in their favor.

Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to advance to the last 16.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.

They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead four minutes later – Jesus firing an effort in at the back post for his 10th goal of the campaign.

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

The third strike killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent James McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.

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

"It's more than the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.

"This is another step, but it is a positive step."

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

This double also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his place in attack could be providing motivation.

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

This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.

The forward was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from Manchester City 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 Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on the weekend.

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

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

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

Star Performer

Forest Key Performers

• Igor Jesus: Rating 9.1
• J. McAtee: Average Rating 8.8
• R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• #31: Average Rating 7.94

Ferencváros Notable Players

• #11: Rating 4.14
• Júlio Romão: Rating 4.12
• #16: Average Rating 4.1