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Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest concluded the league phase of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.

The hosts had already secured a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to go their way.

Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the home-and-away tie to advance to the round of sixteen.

A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.

They opened the scoring in the early stages when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort past the shot-stopper.

The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the impressive McAtee scored from a spot-kick after a infringement by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.

Europe's secondary club competition knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or the Greek club.

"It is not just 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.

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

Forest Analysis: Jesus Catches Eye as Recent Arrival Watches On

Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in European competition this term with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.

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

Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the directors' box.

That may well have been on Jesus' thoughts as he was impressive against the opposition, delivering two superb 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 McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since signing from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.

These encouraging performances will give the club some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to pulling further away from the bottom three when they welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday.

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

"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.

"McAtee was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."

Player of the Match

Forest Top Players

• Igor Jesus: Average Rating 9.1
• #24: Rating 8.75
• #22: Average Rating 8.6
• #6: Average Rating 8.0
• N. Milenković: Rating 7.9

The Visitors Notable Players

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