Match Summary
Igor Jesus scored twice as the Premier League side concluded the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the home stadium.
The hosts had already secured a place in the next qualifying round and entered this fixture with a slim possibility of reaching the top eight, although they needed other matches to fall in their favor.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters confidence that their side can navigate the two-legged play-off 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 that point forward.
They opened the scoring in the early stages when a delivery from midfield was deflected in by Bence Otvos and added a second shortly after – Jesus squeezing a shot in at the back post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' eleventh goal arrived soon after the restart when he made a perfectly-timed run to break clear of the defence and then place a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' aspirations of making a comeback and instead Forest scored again when the excellent James McAtee converted a penalty after a foul by the unfortunate Otvos inside the box on the winger.
Europe's secondary club competition qualifying round draw is scheduled on Friday, 30 January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the result, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the whole squad," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another stride forward, but it is a positive step."
Jesus has been a standout performer for Forest in European competition this season with half of his 11 goals scored in the Europa League.
His brace also means he has scored a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of a challenge for his position in attack could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was recently brought in temporarily 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 superb goals and generally being a menace to the visitors' defence with his pace and runs.
Jesus was not alone in impressing, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from the champions last summer, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
These encouraging performances will give Forest some renewed optimism as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the Premier League relegation zone when they host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I have always trusted their work ethic or their dedication or honesty. It is just go and show your ability.
"James was excellent and Dan was super sharp. Jesus got another two and these are good signs."
#19 The Striker
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