While Nottingham Forest are currently battling to retain their Premier League status this season, their upcoming journey to Porto for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals presents top scorer Igor Jesus and his teammates an opportunity to set aside their relegation challenges and pursue their first European trophy in 46 years.
Despite manager Vitor Pereira seemingly favouring Forest’s fight for survival in the top division over their initial foray into European competition since the 1995/96 season—by resting several key players during the win against Midtjylland in the Round of 16—the Europa League has been where Forest have truly excelled this year.
This sentiment is epitomised by Igor Jesus, who made his way to the City Ground from Brazilian outfit Botafogo during the off-season.
The 25-year-old striker has netted only three goals in 30 Premier League appearances this season; however, he has shone brightly in the Europa League, currently sharing the title of the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals.
“Reaching the final and winning the Europa League would be a dream come true, especially as the top scorer,” Jesus stated on UEFA’s website earlier this week.
However, the 2024 Copa Libertadores champion is fully aware that their quarter-final rivals, Porto, will pose a significant challenge to their aspirations.
“Porto have a fantastic team,” he noted. “They possess a lot of quality. We also have our strengths. We understand that it won’t be an easy match—in fact, it will be incredibly tough. Nevertheless, we’re prepared to battle.”
Jesus added that Forest will approach Thursday’s opening leg at the Estadio do Dragao “with complete focus, aiming for a positive result” to bring back for next week’s return leg.
While Forest finds themselves struggling in 16th place in the Premier League, just three points clear of the relegation zone, Porto reigns comfortably atop the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Still, Forest can take solace in the fact that they are the only team to have defeated Porto in European competition this term, having secured a 2-0 victory at home during the group stage, with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus converting penalties.
‘Want more now’
Meanwhile, fellow Premier League side Aston Villa face a challenging encounter against Coppa Italia champions Bologna in their quarter-final first leg.
With Unai Emery’s side having fallen out of contention for the domestic title, the Europa League now represents their most realistic chance of claiming silverware this season.
If there is anyone capable of leading Villa to their first trophy since 2001, it’s Emery—particularly in the Europa League.
The Basque coach has triumphed in the tournament four times during his managerial career and has now steered Villa to three consecutive quarter-final appearances in both the Europa League and Champions League.
After securing their last-eight spot with a convincing 3-0 aggregate victory against Lille, Villa captain John McGinn remarked that “they want more now”.
“We need to take it one game at a time and keep pushing forward,” the Scottish midfielder added.
Bologna, fresh from defeating more favoured opponents Roma in the previous round, are aiming to pull off another upset.
“We face Aston Villa again, a team we’ve met twice (both losses) in the last two seasons. We will be the underdogs once more but will strive to surprise again,” said Bologna manager Vincenzo Italiano following their 5-4 aggregate triumph that secured their place in the last eight.
In other quarter-final first legs, La Liga’s Real Betis will make the journey north to face Portuguese side Braga on Wednesday, while Bundesliga club Freiburg hosts Spaniards Celta Vigo the following day.
The standout match in the UEFA Conference League first legs will see Crystal Palace take on Fiorentina at home, also on Thursday.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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