Match Summary
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable triumph against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the league's elite, although they required several results to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
A Ferencvaros midfielder did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – coached by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
Forest opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then place a shot beyond the shot-stopper.
The third strike ended the visitors' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the impressive James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham 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 whole squad," 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 Europe this season with six of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got three goals in his last two games and the threat of a challenge for his position in the forward line could be providing motivation.
Italian forward 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 mind 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 the only one in impressing, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give Forest some fresh hope as they switch focus to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they welcome Crystal Palace on the weekend.
"The minimum requirement is a reaction," added Dyche.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are good signs."
#19 The Striker
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