Nottingham Forest Secure Comfortable Europa League Play-off Berth with Ferencvaros Rout
Nottingham Forest concluded their Europa League league phase in emphatic fashion on Thursday evening, delivering a commanding 4-0 victory over Robbie Keane's Ferencvaros at the City Ground. The comprehensive win, featuring a brace from Igor Jesus, guarantees Sean Dyche's side home advantage in the second leg of next month's play-off round, where they will face either Panathinaikos or Fenerbahce.
Early Own Goal Sets the Tone for Forest Dominance
The hosts seized control early, with Ferencvaros defender Bence Otvos inadvertently turning Ryan Yates' cross into his own net in the 17th minute to open the scoring. Forest doubled their advantage just four minutes later, as Yates won possession and slipped in Igor Jesus, who guided a neat finish into the bottom corner. Despite Ferencvaros' pre-match promise to attack, these early blows effectively derailed their ambitions.
Jesus Seals Brace as Forest Maintain Pressure
Forest continued to dominate after the break, with Jesus adding his second goal in the 55th minute. The striker latched onto Ibrahim Sangare's precise ball over the top and powered a fine finish into the net. The visitors did threaten occasionally, hitting the woodwork twice through Kristoffer Zachariassen and Bamidele Yusuf, but were ultimately outclassed. James McAtee completed the scoring late on, calmly converting a penalty after Otvos tripped Dan Ndoye.
Play-off Prospects and Managerial Subplots
While defeat at Braga last week ended Forest's hopes of automatic qualification, this victory ensures a favourable play-off draw. Owner Evangelos Marinakis was notably animated at the prospect of facing Greek rivals Panathinaikos. For Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane, heavily linked with the Tottenham Hotspur managerial vacancy, his return to English shores proved disappointing as his side also enter the play-offs after slipping out of the top eight.
The result underscores Forest's resilience in a packed schedule, with two more European fixtures now confirmed. Attention turns to Friday's draw, which will determine whether a trip to Istanbul or a clash with Greek opposition awaits in the next round.
