Match Summary
The Brazilian attacker found the net on two occasions as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
Forest had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and went into this fixture with a small chance of making the top eight, although they needed several results to go their way.
That did not happen but this confident performance will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the away team – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the excellent McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the penalty area on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said Forest boss Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has scored three goals in his last two games and the prospect of a challenge for his place in attack could be spurring him on.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was observing this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, delivering two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in impressing, with McAtee turning in his finest display in a Forest jersey since joining from the champions last summer, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," continued the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication 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 good signs."
Number: 19 The Striker
Average rating: 9.1
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