At a Glance
Igor Jesus scored twice 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 already secured a place in the knockout round play-offs and entered this game with a slim possibility of reaching the league's elite, even though they needed several results to go their way.
Those results failed to materialize but this assured performance will give Forest fans confidence that their team can navigate the home-and-away tie to reach the last 16.
Kristoffer Zachariassen did hit the post with a headed effort inside the first 10 minutes for the visitors – who are managed by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from then on.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by the defender and added a second four minutes later – the striker firing an effort in at the far post for his 10th goal of the campaign.
The forward's eleventh goal came early in the second half when he made a perfectly-timed run to escape the defence and then place a shot past the shot-stopper.
That goal killed off Ferencvaros' aspirations of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts scored again when the impressive James McAtee scored from a penalty after a infringement by the hapless Bence Otvos inside the box on Dan Ndoye.
The Europa League qualifying round draw takes place on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest might face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos.
"It's more than the result, there was that feel about it. I want these guys to do collectively well, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a good step."
Igor Jesus has been a revelation for Forest in Europe this season with six of his eleven strikes scored in the tournament.
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 providing motivation.
Napoli striker Lorenzo Lucca was recently signed on loan and he was watching this game from the stands.
This development may well have been on the striker's mind as he was outstanding against the opposition, producing two excellent finishes and overall being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with McAtee producing his best performance in a Forest jersey since signing from Manchester City last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give the club some fresh hope as they switch focus to pulling further away from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"All you can ask for is a response," added Dyche.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just go and show your quality.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Igor got another couple and these are good signs."
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Match rating: 9.1
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