“I knew we could fight for big things” – Nottingham Forest star keeping dream alive

Nottingham Forest’s push for a first major trophy since 1990 has found an unlikely driving force in Igor Jesus, with the forward leading their charge in the Europa League at a crucial stage of the season.

The Premier League side have endured a difficult domestic campaign. They sit just above the relegation zone with 33 points. However, their European run tells a very different story.

Nottingham Forest have reached the semi-finals after eliminating Porto, one of the tournament favourites, and now face Aston Villa in an all-English clash.

That contrast has sharpened focus on Igor Jesus. The former Botafogo striker has scored seven goals in the Europa League. That makes him the club’s top scorer in a single European campaign.

Across all competitions, he has 13 goals and four assists in 44 appearances this season, according to Transfermarkt.

European run changing the narrative

Igor Jesus has been central to Forest’s turnaround in Europe. The club also knocked out Fenerbahçe and Midtjylland during the campaign. His goals have often come in decisive moments, giving the team a cutting edge they have lacked in the league.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, the striker made it clear the squad believes this run is no accident.

“When I arrived at Nottingham, I knew we could fight for big things. Even if our position in the Premier League is not the best, this team is capable of much more, and we showed that yesterday. Porto were one of the favourites to win the Europa League and we beat them.

“There is still a long way to go and we will take it game by game, as we will have a very difficult semi-final against Aston Villa, but our dream is still alive as we chase the big objective.”

Those comments reflect a wider shift under Vitor Pereira. Since his arrival, Forest have become more structured and competitive, especially in knockout matches. And he is loving it.

What happens next for Nottingham Forest

Igor Jesus now enters the defining stretch of his first season in England. The Europa League offers a route to silverware and European qualification. Meanwhile, survival in the Premier League remains essential.

Forest have taken points in each of their last six league matches and won three of them. That recent form has opened a small gap to the relegation zone, with Tottenham currently three points behind.

The Brazilian also addressed the domestic situation and the run-in ahead.

“We have difficult matches ahead, but we are also in a good moment. We have won three of the last six games and picked up points in all of our Premier League matches.

“I think this season is proving how competitive this league is. We have everything in our hands to finish the year well and we will fight for that. We all know what needs to be done and we will go for it.”

Balancing both competitions will test the squad. Still, with Igor Jesus delivering in front of goal and confidence building, Nottingham Forest suddenly look like a side capable of reshaping their season in a matter of weeks.