Nottingham Forest delivered a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of Ferencvaros at the City Ground, ending the Hungarian side’s unbeaten European campaign and booking their place in the Europa League play-offs.
The emphatic victory represented an ideal response following their disappointing performance against Braga in the previous fixture.
Brazilian striker Igor Jesus proved the standout performer, netting twice as Sean Dyche’s men overwhelmed Robbie Keane’s visitors.
The result means Forest have now triumphed in four of their six matches in the competition this season.
Their commanding win also guarantees them home advantage in the second leg of their upcoming play-off tie.
Forest broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through an own goal, with Ryan Yates delivering a cross to the back post that Otvos turned into his own net in a moment of confusion.
Jesus then doubled the advantage just five minutes later, winning possession in the Ferencvaros half before driving towards goal and finding the far corner with a deflected strike from the edge of the area.
The Brazilian added his second shortly after half-time, latching onto a ball played behind the defence and firing first time into the bottom corner.
Nottingham Forest delivered a comprehensive 4-0 demolition of Ferencvaros at the City Ground
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McAtee completed the rout from the penalty spot late on, securing his first goal for the club.
The draw for the play-off round takes place on Friday, where Forest will discover whether they face Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos in the next stage.
The first leg is scheduled for February 19, with the return fixture at the City Ground a week later on February 26.
Before their European commitments resume, Dyche’s side face a busy Premier League schedule, beginning with Crystal Palace at home on February 1.
The emphatic victory represented an ideal response following their disappointing performance against Braga in the previous fixture
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Trips to Leeds and Brighton sandwich home fixtures against Wolves and Liverpool.
Forest will have to balance their domestic and continental ambitions during a crucial period of the campaign.
Forest are actively pursuing the signing of a centre-forward ahead of Monday evening’s transfer deadline as they gear up for their first European knockout campaign in three decades.
The addition of a new striker could prove pivotal in their quest to challenge for the trophy.
The result means Forest have now triumphed in four of their six matches in the competition this season
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Igor Jesus has already demonstrated his value since arriving from Botafogo for £16.5m.
His performances helped to silence critics of the club’s summer recruitment strategy.
The Brazilian’s brace against Ferencvaros underlined why he has been considered an unqualified success since his move to the East Midlands.
