Nottingham Forest secured a vital three points in their fight against the drop, defeating Brentford 2-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium, thanks to a moment of pure Brazilian magic from Igor Jesus.
With West Ham winning their fixture against Sunderland earlier in the day, the pressure was on Sean Dyche’s men to respond. The victory restores a five-point cushion over the relegation zone, providing much-needed breathing space as the Premier League enters its final stretch.
The “Samba” Goal of the Round
The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute with a strike that will surely be a contender for Goal of the Month. Following a deflected cross, Igor Jesus showcased his elite technical ability, controlling the ball with his chest before unleashing a thunderous first-time volley that left goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher rooted to the spot.
The former Botafogo star was named Man of the Match, proving to be the catalyst for a Forest side that fought tooth and nail for every ball.
The Battle of the Igors
The match featured a fascinating sub-plot as Igor Jesus faced off against Brentford’s Igor Thiago. While Thiago remains the Premier League’s second-highest scorer with 16 goals (trailing only Erling Haaland), he was effectively neutralized by a brilliant defensive display from Murilo and Milenkovic.
Forest finally sealed the win in the 85th minute when Taiwo Awoniyi, coming off the bench, capitalized on a late opening to make it 2-0.
Defensive Solidity
The inclusion of Murilo in the starting XI was key to the clean sheet, with the former Corinthians man delivering a commanding performance. Despite the absence of Douglas Luiz from the matchday squad, Forest’s midfield led by Sangaré and Gibbs-White—outworked the Bees to ensure the result.
Defeat. ⏹️ pic.twitter.com/lL6cA8mgQx
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 25, 2026
Match Summary – Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest
- Date: January 25, 2026
- Competition: Premier League (Round 23)
- Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
- Nottingham Forest XI: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murilo, Neco Williams; Sangaré, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Hudson-Odoi (Morato), Domínguez, Igor Jesus (Awoniyi).
- Brentford XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Janelt, Yarmoluk, Schade, Jensen, Damsgaard; Igor Thiago.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
