At a Glance
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a convincing win against Ferencvaros at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a berth in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of making the top eight, even though they required several results to fall in their favor.
Those results failed to materialize but this confident display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to reach the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck 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 all Forest from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when a delivery from midfield was turned into his own net by Bence Otvos and added a second four minutes later – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his tenth strike of the season.
The forward's 11th arrived early in the second half when he timed a run perfectly to escape the backline and then drive an effort past the goalkeeper.
The third strike ended Ferencvaros' hopes of making a comeback and instead Forest added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a penalty after a infringement by the unfortunate Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League qualifying round lottery is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (12:00 GMT), where Nottingham Forest might face either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the scoreline, there was that feel about it. I want these players to do collectively well, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"This is another step, but it is a positive step."
Igor Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this term with six of his eleven strikes coming in the Europa League.
This double also means he has got 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 last week signed on loan and he was observing this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent goals and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and movement.
The forward was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee producing his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
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 host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," continued Dyche.
"I've never questioned their work ethic or their loyalty or honesty. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was very good and Dan was incredibly lively. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
#19 The Striker
Match rating: 9.10
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the score shown is the mean from all the submissions.
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