Robbie Keane's home managerial debut as Ferencvaros manager ended with a thrilling 4-3 Europa League win over an AZ Alkmaar side who had Republic of Ireland attacker Troy Parrott among its goalscorers.
Keane took over the Hungarian side at the start of this month and entered Thursday’s games knowing that a defeat could leave them outside the top 24 – and out of the tournament altogether.
That looked a distant possibility as they raced into a three-goal half-time lead, with Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane on target either side of a fine Adama Traore strike at the Groupama Arena.
The Dutch side fought back and struck next, with Sven Mijnans on target before a Barnabas Varga penalty restored the home side’s three-goal cushion.
Parrott responded as the game entered additional time, the player firing a rocket past Adam Varga to add to last week's late winner over Roma.
Mijnans added a second minutes later but the Hungarian side held on, with both sides advancing to the play-off stage.
Meanwhile, Philippe Clement spoke proudly of a "massive achievement" after Rangers reached the last 16 of the Europa League with a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox.
Midfielder Nicolas Raskin scored with a header in the 21st minute and fit-again winger Vaclav Cerny doubled that lead soon after the break with a drive.
Kevin MacAllister reduced the deficit in the 84th minute but Rangers held on and against the odds, results elsewhere went the way of the Ibrox side who snuck into eighth place on goal difference, joining earlier opponents Lyon, Olympiacos, Manchester United and Tottenham in the top eight.
Additional reporting: PA
