Match Summary
Igor Jesus found the net on two occasions as Nottingham Forest rounded off the group stage of the European competition with a convincing triumph against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the knockout round play-offs and entered this fixture with a small chance of making the league's elite, even though they needed other matches to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their team can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the upright with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by ex-Premier League forward Robbie Keane – but it was all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was turned into his own net by the defender and doubled the lead shortly after – the striker squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the campaign.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead Forest scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Bence Otvos inside the box on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a good one."
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in Europe this term with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
This double also means he has got three goals in his previous two outings and the threat of a challenge for his position in attack could be providing motivation.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week brought in temporarily and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on Jesus' mind as he was impressive against Ferencvaros, producing two excellent goals and generally being a menace to the opposition backline with his speed and movement.
Jesus was not the only one in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions in the previous transfer window, while the Swiss international also performed well.
These encouraging performances will give the club 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.
"All you can ask for is a reaction," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was incredibly lively. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
#19 Igor Jesus
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