Welcome to Europe, Igor Jesus.
The Brazil international scored Nottingham Forest’s first European goal in 29 years – and then helped himself to seconds – as Ange Postecoglou kicked off a new campaign with a 2-2 draw against Real Betis.
Postecoglou, of course, is trying to go back-to-back in the Europa League but with a new club after getting sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after lifting the trophy in May.
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Ange Postecoglou. Getty
The Australian manager has had a tricky start to his Forest tenure domestically with two losses and a draw.
And it looked like Postecoglou would post his first Forest win before Antony equalised in the 85th minute at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.
All three first half goals were scored in a wild eight minute flurry, with Cedric Bakambu lashing home from close range to give the hosts an early lead.
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But Betis’ lead was short-lived as star signing Jesus sprung into action.
The 24-year-old striker, who has four caps for Brazil, joined Forest from Botafogo in the off-season.
Postecoglou handed him a start ahead of New Zealand’s Chris Wood and Jesus rewarded his faith by converting Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross to equalise in the 18th minute.
Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest celebrates after scoring. Getty
Jesus unleashed his trademark Dragon Ball Z ‘Kamehameha’ celebration before giving the Forest the lead with his head from a corner five minutes later.
Forest were on fire but couldn’t land the killer blow and Postecoglou was visibly frustrated when former Manchester United man Antony popped up late.
A draw is a decent result given Betis started favourite with the bookmakers but Postecoglou won’t be thinking like that.
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His next chance of a maiden Forest win will come at home to Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday (AEST).
Forest won the top-tier European Cup twice under the legendary Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980.
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