Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest won 4–0 against Ferencvaros in the Europa League, although the victory was not enough to secure a place in the top eight of the table.

Forest went into Thursday’s clash with an outside chance of finishing in the top-eight and automatic progression to the last 16, but will instead have to settle for a play-off-round tie despite continuing their recent improvement in form.

An own goal from Bence Ottovos put Forest ahead in the 17th minute, before a fine individual goal from Jesus extended their lead four minutes later.

Jesus put the game beyond doubt with a superb finish 10 minutes into the second half, gloss added to the scoreline by James McAtee’s penalty, which marked his first goal for the club.

Nottingham Forest are moving on from Ferencvaros

Forest received an early warning from the visitors when Kristoffer Zachariasen headed in front of the post, although Dan Ndoye drew a strong save from David Groff after a darting run into the box.

Ferencvaros made a strong start to proceedings, but things quickly fell apart for the Hungarian champions after Otvos inadvertently turned Ryan Yates’ low right-footed cross into his own net.

Robbie Keane’s men were struggling to regain their composure after going behind, and were given a mountain to climb when Jesus pounced on a Ferencvaros mistake in their own half, and began a quick run before finding the bottom-left corner from just inside the area.

Zachariasen provided a reminder of the threat Ferencvaros posed with another header that forced Metz Sels to tip over the crossbar shortly before half-time, but Forest Ascendancy continued after the break.

Grof stopped Yates from scoring with Forest’s first attack of the second half and then Jesus denied the chance to double his tally with a header that flew from close range.

Nicolas Dominguez headed a James McAtee cross against the base of the post, the attack paying dividends when the third goal arrived in fine style.

Jesus stayed wide as he raced on top of Ibrahim Sangare’s ball, combining with a half-volley that gave Grof no chance.

Bamidele Youssef headed against the crossbar as Ferencvaros’ attacking play demanded an arguably deserved goal, but Forest’s dominance continued and McAtee kept Groff busy with a low free-kick that went close to curling into the bottom-right corner.

Groff then thwarted Morgan Gibbs-White, but could do nothing to prevent McAtee from scoring from 12 yards out after the Ottawas brought down Ndoye.

With three clean sheets and six goals in their last three games, Forest can afford to be in confident mood ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with a Crystal Palace side yet to be dragged into the relegation scrap.