Igor Jesus scored twice as Nottingham Forest defeated Ferencvaros 4-0 at the City Ground in their final Europa League game of the league phase.
The convincing win was not enough to secure a place in the top eight because of results elsewhere so Forest will feature in the play-off round next month. But it was a confidence-boosting victory for Sean Dyche's side as they built on their improved form.
Forest did have an early scare courtesy of their Hungarian opposition when Kristoffer Zachariassen's header struck the frame of the goal but Robbie Keane's side capitulated thereafter, overwhelmed as the Premier League side launched attack after attack.
Dan Ndoye went close before Ryan Yates' low cross was turned beyond his own goalkeeper under little pressure by Bence Otvos. James McAtee should have doubled the lead before Jesus did just that moments later, his deflected effort finding the corner.
Both first-half goals came from captain Yates forcing a turnover in possession inside the opposition half, the visitors unable to cope with the intensity, leaving Forest fans wondering how they contrived to finish below Ferencvaros in the Europa League table.
Nicolas Dominguez's flicked header struck the foot of the post early in the second half before Jesus hammered home his second of the night. McAtee capped an impressive evening for Forest by converting from the spot late on to score his first goal for the club.
Dyche, who left a number of key players on the bench, will now see his side face either Panathinaikos or Fenerbahce in the play-off round. But Forest's immediate thoughts now turn to a Premier League showdown with fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Jesus message as Forest chase strikers
He might not quite be able to walk on the Trent as the supporters are so fond of singing but Jesus walked all over this Ferencvaros side in what was a surprisingly one-sided encounter. The mobile forward is finally getting the rewards for this overall play.
Jesus' opener in the victory against Brentford last time out in the Premier League was only his second goal in 22 appearances in the competition, but he has fared rather better in Europe. The Brazilian now has six goals in six games in the Europa League.
The home supporters at the City Ground, in particular, have been starved of celebrating their striker. Only one of his previous goals in all competitions had come on home soil and that was a penalty against Porto in October. Dyche will hope there is more to come.
Taiwo Awoniyi's return to the scoresheet against Brentford was welcome but without Chris Wood there are still doubts about Forest's firepower, hence signing Lorenzo Lucca and chasing Jean-Philippe Mateta. Jesus finding form would solve a few problems.