Forest denied a winning return to European football
Real Betis 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest were denied a winning start to their Europa League campaign as Antony struck an 85th-minute equaliser for Real Betis.
Author | Kieran M
Stadium | Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla
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| Forest players celebrate |
Forest, playing in continental competition for the first time in 29 years, endured a difficult start when Cedric Bakambu fired the hosts ahead on 15 minutes. The visitors responded quickly, though, with Igor Jesus levelling from close range four minutes later after fine work from captain Morgan Gibbs-White.
The Brazilian forward, a £10m summer signing from Botafogo, put Forest in front in the 23rd minute with a well-placed header from Douglas Luiz’s corner. He almost had a hat-trick soon after, his effort blocked following an enterprising run from Elliot Anderson, who impressed throughout in midfield. Callum Hudson-Odoi also struck the post as Forest pushed for a decisive third.
They were ultimately denied victory when former Manchester United player Antony scored late on. This still very much felt like one point gained than two points dropped.
Frustration as Postecoglou almost gets his first win
Postecoglou, of course, lifted this trophy with Tottenham last season, and for much of the night it seemed the Forest manager had judged his tactics perfectly. His side played with flair and attacking intent throughout the first half.
The numbers underlined their ambition, with the visitors recording 16 attempts on goal, six of them on target, compared with Betis’ nine, of which four tested the goalkeeper. Yet Forest were unable to see it through and were denied what would have been a statement victory.
Almost an historic night after a long journey to this point
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| This was the view from the away end |
This was a night Forest supporters had long anticipated, with around 5,000 making the trip to Spain to witness an 'I was there' moment.
Among them were fans who had been in Munich and Madrid in 1979 and 1980, when Forest defeated Malmo and Hamburg to claim back-to-back European Cups under Brian Clough. Others in Seville had experienced the lows of League One, attending demoralising defeats to Yeovil Town, Scunthorpe United and Hartlepool United in the 2005-06 season.
Igor Jesus impresses fans
Paul, a Forest fan, told us: "Entertaining Europa League game. Suspected we would regret not taking more advantage of our first-half superiority. Real Betis much improved in the second half, a draw a fair result. We will hear a lot more about Igor Jesus this season, he was outstanding at Botafogo and has started really well with us."
Adam was in the away end, he added: “Surely Igor Jesus has to start every game now? That was a world-class performance. I’m excited to see if he can start doing that regularly in the Premier League.”
