Quick Read
- Igor Jesus scored twice for Nottingham Forest in their first European match in 30 years.
- Real Betis equalised late through Antony to deny Forest a win in the Europa League opener.
- Douglas Luiz assisted Jesus’ second goal but left at halftime due to injury.
- Forest dominated the first half but lost control after key substitutions.
- Jesus became the first Forest player to score twice on European debut.
Igor Jesus Makes an Explosive European Debut for Nottingham Forest
It was supposed to be a night of triumph—a fresh chapter in Nottingham Forest’s storied history. Thirty years had passed since the club last tasted European football, and under the floodlights of Seville’s Estadio la Cartuja, their return was as dramatic as it was promising. Yet, as the final whistle blew, celebration mingled with a bitter sense of what could have been.
The headlines belonged to Igor Jesus, the £10m summer signing from Botafogo, whose performance against Real Betis in the Europa League opener will be remembered by Forest fans for years to come. Not only did he score twice in the space of eight minutes, but he announced himself as a genuine star—one who may yet reshape Forest’s attack this season.
Early Setback, Rapid Response: Jesus Turns the Tide
Forest’s return to Europe started with a jolt. In the 15th minute, Betis’ Cedric Bakambu found space inside the box, firing home after a clever pass from Antony, the former Manchester United winger. The goal stood after a brief VAR review, despite replays suggesting Bakambu might have been offside (Reuters).
Yet Forest’s response was immediate and emphatic. Morgan Gibbs-White, starting wide on the right, whipped a low cross across the six-yard box. Igor Jesus, alert and agile, darted in at the back post to tap home—his third goal for the club since arriving from Brazil. The traveling Forest faithful erupted, sensing a shift in momentum.
Momentum quickly became dominance. Just five minutes after his first, Jesus rose above the Betis defense to meet Douglas Luiz’s corner, nodding home his second and putting Forest in front. His movement, timing, and poise were reminiscent of the club’s great strikers of the past—a new hero for a new era.
Forest, emboldened by their comeback, pressed for more. Callum Hudson-Odoi struck the post, and Jesus came close to a hat-trick on two occasions. For much of the first half, every attack seemed destined to trouble Betis.
Turning Point: Luiz Injury and Tactical Shifts
As the teams emerged for the second half, Forest’s rhythm was interrupted. Douglas Luiz, so influential in midfield, was forced off with a hamstring concern, replaced by Dilane Bakwa. The change was not tactical, manager Ange Postecoglou insisted—it was necessity. Yet it proved costly.
With Luiz gone, Forest ceded control in midfield. Gibbs-White shifted centrally, and Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini responded with a triple substitution, flooding the middle and tilting the balance. Forest’s earlier verve faded, replaced by a need to defend and absorb pressure.
Betis pressed, but struggled to carve out clear chances. Forest’s back line, anchored by Morato and Nico Williams, held firm until the dying minutes. Then, with just five minutes left, Marc Roca swung a cross to the back post. Antony, ghosting in unmarked, coolly finished past Matz Sels to level the score—a dagger to Forest’s hopes (Sky Sports).
Igor Jesus: More Than Just Goals
Jesus was substituted in the 64th minute for Arnaud Kalimuendo. His departure was felt immediately. Forest lost their focal point up front, and Betis seized the initiative. The Brazilian’s impact extended beyond his brace—his movement, link-up play, and relentless energy gave Forest a cutting edge they lacked once he left the pitch.
Analysts and fans alike began to wonder: has Jesus done enough to become Forest’s first-choice striker? Chris Wood, last season’s surprise package with 20 league goals, has held onto his spot so far. But Jesus, with two doubles in his first starts—including one in the Carabao Cup against Swansea—has made history as the only Forest player to achieve such a feat in European competition (bet365).
Player ratings reflected his influence. Igor Jesus received a stellar 9/10, described as having ‘endeared himself into the hearts of the travelling Forest faithful no end, with two wonderfully taken goals in a superbly polished display leading the line.’ His performance was the difference-maker in a match where Forest looked most dangerous with him on the pitch.
What’s Next for Forest and Jesus?
Despite the disappointment of surrendering a late lead, Forest left Seville with a valuable point and a statement of intent. The team showcased resilience, attacking flair, and glimpses of Postecoglou’s trademark ‘Angeball’—high-tempo, aggressive football.
But the story of the night was Igor Jesus. From the favelas of Brazil to the bright lights of European football, his journey has been marked by hard work and promise. Now, he stands poised to become Forest’s talisman, the player most likely to deliver the goals needed to turn draws into victories.
Postecoglou faces a selection dilemma ahead of Forest’s next Premier League fixture against Sunderland. Can he afford to drop Jesus, especially with the team still searching for their first win under his stewardship? The answer, judging by recent performances, seems increasingly clear.
For now, the Europa League adventure continues. Forest’s players will rue missed chances, but they have found a new hero in Igor Jesus—a striker whose star may just be beginning to rise.
Igor Jesus’ performance in Seville signals a turning point for Nottingham Forest’s attack. His blend of instinct, athleticism, and composure has added a new dimension to the side, posing a genuine challenge to established starters and injecting much-needed optimism into the club’s European campaign. If Postecoglou can harness this momentum, Forest may yet exceed expectations—not just in Europe, but at home as well.