Nottingham Forest Spank Ferencvaros 4-0
Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a comfortable win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game 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 display will give Forest fans belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a header inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from then on.
They opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates’ cross was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus’ 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to break clear of the defence and then drive an effort beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros’ hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Forest could be drawn against either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
Forest boss Sean Dyche said: “It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the whole squad.
“This is another step, but it is a good step.”