Seville bore witness to a pulsating Europa League opener as Real Betis and Nottingham Forest played out a 2–2 draw that denied the visitors a dream re-entry into European competition.
Forest, making their first foray into continental football in nearly three decades, looked well on course for a statement win after a blistering first half, but their lead was cruelly snatched away with just minutes remaining, courtesy of a composed finish from Antony.
The night began ominously for Ange Postecoglou’s side when, in the 15th minute, Betis drew first blood. Antony sliced in from the flank and threaded a delicate pass through the bones of the Forest defence to Cédric Bakambu, who made no mistake—tucking the ball into the top corner with precision.
Though replays suggested possible offside in the build-up, the goal stood after VAR scrutiny. The home crowd erupted, and suddenly Forest’s long European night threatened to unravel early.
But Forest responded instantly. Their comeback began just three minutes later, fashioned from slick interplay in midfield. Morgan Gibbs-White showed his influence, combining with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Elliot Anderson before slipping a low ball across the six-yard box for the lurking Igor Jesus to finish from close range. That leveler stunned Betis and invigorated the away end.
The momentum swung fully in Forest’s favour five minutes later. From a corner whipped in by Douglas Luiz, Jesus rose highest against weary defenders and powered a header beyond Pau López.
The Brazilian’s second in eight minutes sent the Forest faithful into delirium and left Betis shellshocked. At that point, the visitors looked a side supremely confident and composed, dictating play with crisp passing and forward thrusts that kept their hosts pinned back.
Forest’s dominance before the break was emphatic: 13 shots to Betis’s one. Postecoglou would later admit that his team played “outstanding” football in that period, but argued they lacked clinical efficiency to put the game to bed completely.
Betis, under Manuel Pellegrini, made tactical tweaks at halftime, shuffling personnel with an evident urgency. Forest, too, were forced into a change: Douglas Luiz came off at the interval—an injury concern rather than a tactical switch, according to the manager. That loss of his engine in midfield arguably shifted the balance.
94′ ⏱⚽️ ¡Final del partido! Reparto de puntos en el estreno europeo ⚖️
#RealBetisNFFC 2-2 ⚪#DíaDeBetis #EuroBetis pic.twitter.com/F3Uqu87MjO
— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis) September 24, 2025
The second half became a test of endurance, resolve, and mental focus. Betis grew into the contest, pressing more insistently and probing for openings. Forest defended with moments of solidity, but as the clock ticked down, the Spaniards’ persistence seemed assured of a reward.
Substitutions for both sides reshaped the midfield dynamics, yet clear chances remained scarce as fatigue and tension crept in.
Then, in the 85th minute, Betis delivered the blow. Marc Roca, introduced from the bench, showed composure to take an extra touch and send in a left-footed cross to the far post.
There sat Antony, unmarked, who rifled a first-time finish across goal and past the dive of Matz Sels. That moment of brilliance restored parity and silenced what had been a confident Forest.
In the dying moments Forest pressed forward desperately, but their efforts lacked the cutting edge they had earlier displayed. In the end, they had to settle for a point—a result that feels like a loss after such a promising start.
The frustration in the away dugout was palpable: Postecoglou remains without a win in his first four outings in charge, a rare streak for a permanent manager in Forest’s long history.
Yet, even in disappointment, there is reason for cautious optimism. Henry Jesus, in particular, made a strong case for himself. Brought in over the likes of Chris Wood, he justified his inclusion with a pair of stunning finishes and relentless movement.
Pellegrini, meanwhile, will take encouragement from his side’s perseverance and ability to dig in late. That resilience, joined with tactical adjustments at halftime, will reassure fans aiming for a strong European campaign.
He had warned early on of the importance of maintaining league form even while chasing continental ambitions.