Daijiworld Media Network - Seville
Seville, Sep 25: Nottingham Forest’s first European match in 29 years saw a surprising teamsheet as Chris Wood was named on the bench, with head coach Ange Postecoglou placing his trust in new signing Igor Jesus.
The 24-year-old Brazilian, who joined from Botafogo for £10 million in July, made an instant impact. With Forest trailing 1-0 against Real Betis, Jesus equalised with a tap-in and then headed the team into a 2-1 lead from a corner less than five minutes later. However, former Manchester United forward Antony’s 85th-minute goal denied Forest the victory in their Europa League opener.
“Chris Wood definitely has to watch his back,” said former Forest and West Ham forward Michail Antonio on TNT Sports.
Jesus, full of energy, had six of Forest’s 16 attempts, with three on target. He nearly scored a first-half hat-trick after a brilliant run from Elliot Anderson, but was substituted in the 64th minute to a standing ovation from the 5,000 travelling Forest fans. Antonio added, “He definitely looks like a real threat. His movement, his hold-up play… he seems big, he seems strong.”
Jesus made his Brazil debut last October, scoring in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in Chile, and in June netted Botafogo’s winner against European champions Paris St-Germain at the Club World Cup. South American football expert Tim Vickery described him as a modern-day Didier Drogba.
Former Forest and England midfielder Steve Hodge praised Postecoglou’s selection: “For Ange tonight – what a shout. Igor Jesus has made his mark tonight.”
Having scored twice against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup last week, Jesus now has four goals in two starts for Forest. Midfielder Elliot Anderson believes the Brazilian could be a key figure this season. “He’s always in the right position… he’s doing really well, and we see it in training. I’m really happy for Igor.”
Meanwhile, Wood, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, has been a key player for Forest since making his loan move permanent in 2023. Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and Erling Haaland scored more last season. He has started both Premier League games under Postecoglou so far this season.
“From Chris’ point of view, he won’t be happy tonight – he will want to be out there in big games like this,” added Hodge.
Postecoglou, still seeking his first win after four games, expressed pride in Forest’s performance despite Antony’s late equaliser. “I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half… I’ve just got to make sure they keep their heads up because there’s plenty to be positive about, and the wins will come.”