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For 47 years, Garry Birtles has sat at the top of the pile when it comes to Nottingham Forest goalscorers in European competition, but in Igor Jesus, there is now a new kid on the block.
On the way to glory during the 1978/79 campaign, Birtles scored six times for Forest in European competitions and now Jesus has created his own slice of history in Istanbul.
With 7️⃣ European goals, how would you rate Igor Jesus’ time at Nottingham Forest so far?
Let us know in the comments!
Fenerbahce were put to the sword by Forest as the Reds ran riot in Vitor Pereira’s opening game as the new head coach, with the 3-0 scoreline not flattering in the slightest.
Jesus, Nicolas Dominguez and Callum Hudson-Odoi all wasted good chances to give Forest an even bigger advantage going into next week’s return leg at the City Ground, but for the Brazilian, it was a night to remember nonetheless.
Igor Jesus makes history for Nottingham Forest
It’s been 47 years in the making, but Birtles has finally been bumped off the top spot when it comes to European goals scored in a single season.
Many will point to Birtles’ six goals coming against superior opposition playing in Europe’s elite competition, but nothing can be taken away from Jesus.
The £10 million signing from Botafogo has been thrust into the deep end on the back of Chris Wood getting injured, but he’s never once shirked his responsibilities when leading the front line.
Jesus’ header was a superb improvisation from the striker, and although he was a couple of yards out, he still had to make sure that he controlled his header into the net.
It’s quite special that Jesus has now overtaken Birtles as the best Forest goalscorer in Europe for a single season, and nobody can deny how hard he’s worked this season.
Jesus can become real Forest star
Martin Keown gave advice to Jesus, and it’s likely that people behind the scenes at Forest will be getting to work coaching Jesus to iron out his current imperfections.
The striker does sometimes waste good chances, and two Premier League goals isn’t really good enough for a talisman at this stage of the season.
Igor Jesus vs Garry Birtles: Give us your three-word verdict on history-maker Igor Jesus…
That said, his form in Europe has been special and he’s a player who never shirks the mandatory requirement of a professional footballer, which is hard work.
Birtles will maintain his legendary status at Forest until the end of time, but for now, fans can toast the fact that Jesus has etched his own name into Nottingham Forest history.
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