Forest Cruise Past Ferencvaros to Secure Europa League Play-Off Spot

Igor Jesus brace powers 4-0 win at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest wrapped up their Europa League league phase in style with a convincing 4-0 victory over Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros, booking a place in the play-off round, where they will face Panathinaikos or Fenerbahce.

An early Bence Otvos own goal, a brace from Igor Jesus, and a late James McAtee penalty ensured a comfortable night at the City Ground for Sean Dyche’s side.

Defeat at Braga last week had all but ended Forest’s hopes of automatic qualification, but this win guarantees them home advantage in the second leg of next month’s play-off tie.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was spotted rubbing his hands at the prospect of a potential clash with Panathinaikos — fierce rivals of his other club Olympiakos — while a trip to Istanbul would present a very different challenge.

Fast start, Forest in control

Despite Forest’s dominance on the night, it was Ferencvaros who came close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute. Jonathan Levi delivered a dangerous cross from a short corner, and Kristoffer Zachariassen’s header crashed against the post.

Forest responded quickly. Dan Ndoye danced into the penalty area soon after but saw his effort saved by David Grof.

The breakthrough came in the 17th minute in fortunate fashion. Ryan Yates won possession and swung a cross into the box, which was inadvertently turned into his own net by Otvos.

Just four minutes later, Yates was involved again. Another crunching tackle led to a clever pass into Igor Jesus, who calmly guided his finish into the bottom corner to double the lead.

Jesus at the double

The two quick goals took the sting out of Ferencvaros, though they nearly pulled one back before the break. Once again, Zachariassen rose highest, but Matz Sels produced an excellent save to tip his header over the bar.

Forest came out flying after the interval, piling pressure on the visitors’ goal. Yates saw a driven effort saved, Jesus flashed a header wide, and Nicolás Domínguez rattled the post.

The third goal arrived in the 55th minute. Ibrahim Sangaré lofted a perfect ball over the top, and Jesus raced onto it before powering a superb finish into the bottom corner to complete his brace.

Ferencvaros continued to threaten sporadically and struck the woodwork again when Bamidele Yusuf headed against the crossbar, but Forest always looked in control.

McAtee adds the finishing touch

Forest rounded off a dominant performance late on when Otvos, enduring a miserable night, tripped Ndoye in the box. James McAtee stepped up and stroked home the penalty to make it 4-0.

The result ensures Forest will enjoy two more European nights in an already packed schedule, with their play-off opponents confirmed on Friday.