Antony's Late Strike Denies Forest Victory in 2-2 Betis Draw.Antony Rescues Draw for Betis Against Nottingham Forest in Europa League Thriller
Estadio Benito Villamarín, Seville | September 24, 2025
Nottingham Forest’s long-awaited return to European football after a 29-year absence ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw against Real Betis in the Europa League league phase opener. The two-time European Cup champions (1979, 1980) showed heart and flair in Seville, with Igor Jesus’ first-half brace—set up by Morgan Gibbs-White and Douglas Luiz—putting them on the brink of a famous victory.
However, Antony, the former Manchester United winger, turned from provider to poacher, assisting Cedric Bakambu’s 15th-minute opener before netting a late equalizer in the 85th minute to deny Forest’s new boss Ange Postecoglou his first win since taking over from Nuno Espirito Santo.
The match, played under humid Andalusian skies at a raucous Benito Villamarín, showcased Forest’s potential and fragility. Despite dominating spells and surviving intense Betis pressure, a late lapse cost them three points in their toughest fixture of the league phase. Postecoglou, who lifted the Conference League with Tottenham 18 weeks prior, lamented the lack of a “clinical edge” but praised his side’s “outstanding football.” For Betis, last season’s Conference League runners-up, Antony’s redemption arc—after a lackluster United stint—kept their European hopes alive under Manuel Pellegrini’s watchful eye.
Forest’s 3,385 traveling fans, housed high in the stands, erupted twice in the first half, but Antony’s late strike muted their dreams of a statement win. With seven more league phase games to climb into the top eight for direct knockout qualification, Forest’s European adventure begins with promise and a pang of what might have been.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Forest’s European Return Meets Betis’ Ambition
Nottingham Forest’s last European outing was the 1995/96 UEFA Cup, a third-round exit to Lyon. Now, after decades in the wilderness, their 2024/25 Premier League surge—fifth place, 16 points from 8 games—earned a Europa League spot. Postecoglou’s appointment in July 2025, following Nuno’s departure, brought his high-pressing, attack-minded philosophy from Tottenham, where he won the 2025 Conference League. Facing Betis in Seville, a venue where they’ve lost just twice in Europe since 2020, was a baptism by fire in the new 36-team league phase format.
Betis, seventh in La Liga with 14 points, leaned on their European pedigree—runners-up in the 2024 Conference League. Pellegrini, the wily Chilean, rotated lightly, trusting Antony and Bakambu to spark a side that scored 18 in 8 domestic games. The humid 24°C Seville night, with a slick pitch, suited Betis’ technical play, but Forest’s counter-attacking pace—led by Gibbs-White (3 goals, 4 assists in PL)—promised threat.
Postecoglou, pre-match: “Europe’s special for Forest—fans deserve this. Betis are tough, but we’ll play our way.” Pellegrini: “Forest’s energy is dangerous, but our home is a fortress.” Broadcast on TNT Sports, with 32,147 fans (3,385 Forest), the stage was set for a clash of ambition and history.
Team News and Lineups: Postecoglou’s Bold Changes
Postecoglou made three changes from Forest’s 2-1 Premier League win over Brighton. Igor Jesus started up top, replacing the rested Chris Wood, while Douglas Luiz and Elliot Anderson bolstered midfield over Ryan Yates and Anthony Elanga. Gibbs-White, captain at 25, carried the creative load, with Matz Sels in goal seeking a third clean sheet of 2025.
Betis, unchanged from a 3-0 La Liga rout of Mallorca, paired Antony with Bakambu in a 4-2-3-1. Pablo Fornals and Iker Losada supported, with Natan and Diego Llorente anchoring defense. Pau López, a Europa League veteran, guarded goal.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI (4-3-3): Sels (GK); Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Toffolo; Luiz, Anderson, Gibbs-White (c); Hudson-Odoi, Jesus, Awoniyi. Subs: Miguel, Yates, Elanga, Bakwa, Dominguez, Moreno, Sangaré.
Real Betis Starting XI (4-2-3-1): López (GK); Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Perraud; Altimira, Carvalho; Antony, Losada, Fornals; Bakambu. Subs: Vieites, Bartra, Roca, Juanmi, Diao, Hernández, Chimy Ávila.
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy). Weather: 24°C, humid, light breeze.
Match Report: Jesus’ Brace, Antony’s Late Blow
First Half: Forest Fight Back with Fire (1-2 at HT)
Betis struck first in the humid Seville cauldron. Minute 15: Antony, cutting in from the right, bamboozled Morato with a step-over and slipped a precise ball to Bakambu. The Congolese striker, peeling off Milenković, thumped past Sels—1-0, clinical. VAR checked for offside; Forest’s 3,385 fans fell silent, but the goal stood. Gibbs-White’s early booking (2’) for a late tackle set a nervy tone, with Forest’s high press misfiring—six turnovers in 10 minutes.
But Forest roared back. Minute 18: Intricate play from Toffolo to Anderson fed Gibbs-White, whose low cross found Jesus four yards out—1-1, turned in with ease. The away end erupted; another VAR check (offside) couldn’t halt the green-and-white tide. Five minutes later, bedlam. Luiz’s corner arced to the six-yard box; Jesus, towering over Natan, headed powerfully past López—2-1, his second in five minutes. Forest’s 3,385 faithful, high in the stands, sang “Mull of Kintyre.”
Forest pushed for more. Hudson-Odoi’s 32nd-minute prod hit the post off a Luiz corner, while Jesus’ follow-up from Anderson’s cross was blocked by Llorente (35’). López saved Jesus’ low drive at 40’. Betis, rattled, leaned on Fornals’ guile, but Murillo’s blocks kept Sels untested post-opener. Half-time: Shots 8-5 (4-2 on target), possession 48%-52%, xG 1.2-0.8. Forest’s counter-attacking verve stunned Betis, but Postecoglou urged calm: “Stay tight; they’ll push.”
Key Moment: Jesus’ brace—4 yards, then a towering header—flipped the game, evoking Forest’s 1979 glory days.
The match, played under humid Andalusian skies at a raucous Benito Villamarín, showcased Forest’s potential and fragility. Despite dominating spells and surviving intense Betis pressure, a late lapse cost them three points in their toughest fixture of the league phase. Postecoglou, who lifted the Conference League with Tottenham 18 weeks prior, lamented the lack of a “clinical edge” but praised his side’s “outstanding football.” For Betis, last season’s Conference League runners-up, Antony’s redemption arc—after a lackluster United stint—kept their European hopes alive under Manuel Pellegrini’s watchful eye.
Forest’s 3,385 traveling fans, housed high in the stands, erupted twice in the first half, but Antony’s late strike muted their dreams of a statement win. With seven more league phase games to climb into the top eight for direct knockout qualification, Forest’s European adventure begins with promise and a pang of what might have been.
Pre-Match Build-Up: Forest’s European Return Meets Betis’ Ambition
Nottingham Forest’s last European outing was the 1995/96 UEFA Cup, a third-round exit to Lyon. Now, after decades in the wilderness, their 2024/25 Premier League surge—fifth place, 16 points from 8 games—earned a Europa League spot. Postecoglou’s appointment in July 2025, following Nuno’s departure, brought his high-pressing, attack-minded philosophy from Tottenham, where he won the 2025 Conference League. Facing Betis in Seville, a venue where they’ve lost just twice in Europe since 2020, was a baptism by fire in the new 36-team league phase format.
Betis, seventh in La Liga with 14 points, leaned on their European pedigree—runners-up in the 2024 Conference League. Pellegrini, the wily Chilean, rotated lightly, trusting Antony and Bakambu to spark a side that scored 18 in 8 domestic games. The humid 24°C Seville night, with a slick pitch, suited Betis’ technical play, but Forest’s counter-attacking pace—led by Gibbs-White (3 goals, 4 assists in PL)—promised threat.
Postecoglou, pre-match: “Europe’s special for Forest—fans deserve this. Betis are tough, but we’ll play our way.” Pellegrini: “Forest’s energy is dangerous, but our home is a fortress.” Broadcast on TNT Sports, with 32,147 fans (3,385 Forest), the stage was set for a clash of ambition and history.
Team News and Lineups: Postecoglou’s Bold Changes
Postecoglou made three changes from Forest’s 2-1 Premier League win over Brighton. Igor Jesus started up top, replacing the rested Chris Wood, while Douglas Luiz and Elliot Anderson bolstered midfield over Ryan Yates and Anthony Elanga. Gibbs-White, captain at 25, carried the creative load, with Matz Sels in goal seeking a third clean sheet of 2025.
Betis, unchanged from a 3-0 La Liga rout of Mallorca, paired Antony with Bakambu in a 4-2-3-1. Pablo Fornals and Iker Losada supported, with Natan and Diego Llorente anchoring defense. Pau López, a Europa League veteran, guarded goal.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI (4-3-3): Sels (GK); Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Toffolo; Luiz, Anderson, Gibbs-White (c); Hudson-Odoi, Jesus, Awoniyi. Subs: Miguel, Yates, Elanga, Bakwa, Dominguez, Moreno, Sangaré.
Real Betis Starting XI (4-2-3-1): López (GK); Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Perraud; Altimira, Carvalho; Antony, Losada, Fornals; Bakambu. Subs: Vieites, Bartra, Roca, Juanmi, Diao, Hernández, Chimy Ávila.
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy). Weather: 24°C, humid, light breeze.
Match Report: Jesus’ Brace, Antony’s Late Blow
First Half: Forest Fight Back with Fire (1-2 at HT)
Betis struck first in the humid Seville cauldron. Minute 15: Antony, cutting in from the right, bamboozled Morato with a step-over and slipped a precise ball to Bakambu. The Congolese striker, peeling off Milenković, thumped past Sels—1-0, clinical. VAR checked for offside; Forest’s 3,385 fans fell silent, but the goal stood. Gibbs-White’s early booking (2’) for a late tackle set a nervy tone, with Forest’s high press misfiring—six turnovers in 10 minutes.
But Forest roared back. Minute 18: Intricate play from Toffolo to Anderson fed Gibbs-White, whose low cross found Jesus four yards out—1-1, turned in with ease. The away end erupted; another VAR check (offside) couldn’t halt the green-and-white tide. Five minutes later, bedlam. Luiz’s corner arced to the six-yard box; Jesus, towering over Natan, headed powerfully past López—2-1, his second in five minutes. Forest’s 3,385 faithful, high in the stands, sang “Mull of Kintyre.”
Forest pushed for more. Hudson-Odoi’s 32nd-minute prod hit the post off a Luiz corner, while Jesus’ follow-up from Anderson’s cross was blocked by Llorente (35’). López saved Jesus’ low drive at 40’. Betis, rattled, leaned on Fornals’ guile, but Murillo’s blocks kept Sels untested post-opener. Half-time: Shots 8-5 (4-2 on target), possession 48%-52%, xG 1.2-0.8. Forest’s counter-attacking verve stunned Betis, but Postecoglou urged calm: “Stay tight; they’ll push.”
Key Moment: Jesus’ brace—4 yards, then a towering header—flipped the game, evoking Forest’s 1979 glory days.
Second Half: Betis’ Pressure, Antony’s Equalizer (1-0 in half, 2-2 FT)
Pellegrini swung the axe at half-time: Marc Roca, Juanmi, and Chimy Ávila replaced Altimira, Losada, and Perraud. Betis surged, holding 60% possession by 60’. Natan’s header (52’) and Hernández’s half-volley (65’) sailed over, while Fornals’ 78th-minute curler grazed the bar—referee Massa missed a slight Murillo touch. Forest, with Bakwa on for Luiz (46’), defended stoutly; Milenković’s 7 clearances and Murillo’s 5 tackles anchored a 4-5-1 shift.
Postecoglou’s subs—Elanga (65’, Awoniyi), Yates (70’, Anderson)—aimed to counter, but Betis’ pressure told. Minute 85: Roca, with a clever touch, lofted a cross to the far post; Antony, unmarked, volleyed first-time past Sels—2-2. Forest’s defense, stretched after 12 second-half corners, faltered. A late Elanga break (90+2’) saw López save sharply. Full-time: Shots 14-12 (6-5 on target), corners 8-4, xG 1.9-1.4. Forest’s 42% possession belied their threat, but Antony’s strike stung.
Key Moment: Antony’s equalizer—a first-time finish—snatched victory from Forest, rewarding Betis’ persistence.
Detailed Scorecard: Goals and Grit
Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest
TimeScorer (Assist)Description15' Bakambu (Antony) Thumped finish after cut-in pass.
18' Jesus (Gibbs-White) Turned in low cross from 4 yards.
23' Jesus (Luiz) Headed corner at six-yard box.
85' Antony (Roca) First-time volley from far-post cross.
Betis Goalkeeping: López - 4 saves, 2 GA (7.2 rating). Forest Goalkeeping: Sels - 4 saves, 2 GA (7.0 rating).
Passing Leaders: Carvalho (Betis) - 72/78, 92%; Gibbs-White (Forest) - 45/50, 90%. Duels Won: Milenković (Forest) - 12/15; Natan (Betis) - 10/14. xG: Betis 1.9 - Forest 1.4.
Substitutions: Betis: Roca 46’ (Altimira), Juanmi 46’ (Losada), Ávila 46’ (Perraud), Hernández 60’ (Bakambu). Forest: Bakwa 46’ (Luiz), Elanga 65’ (Awoniyi), Yates 70’ (Anderson), Moreno 80’ (Hudson-Odoi).
Analysis: Forest’s Promise, Betis’ Resilience
Igor Jesus (Forest, Player of the Match): 2 goals, 5 shots, 8.5 rating. His 4-yard tap-in and towering header showcased aerial prowess and poacher’s instinct. “He’s our spark,” Postecoglou said. Antony (Betis): 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 chances created, 8.0 rating. His assist (step-over, pass) and late volley redeemed a shaky United past. Gibbs-White (Forest): 1 assist, 90% passes, 7.8 rating. Booked early but drove Forest’s counters. Bakambu (Betis): 1 goal, 3 shots, 7.5 rating. Clinical opener but faded post-interval. Milenković-Murillo (Forest): 12 and 9 clearances, respectively; rock-solid until Antony’s late run.
Tactical Notes: Forest’s 4-3-3 pressed high (PPDA 9.8), creating Jesus’ goals, but second-half 4-5-1 absorbed 12 Betis corners. Betis’ 4-2-3-1 leaned on Antony’s flair and Roca’s late craft (86% pass accuracy). Forest’s xG edge (1.4 vs 1.9) reflected wastefulness—Hudson-Odoi’s post-hit, Jesus’ blocked shot. Humidity (70%) slowed transitions, per Postecoglou.
Post-Match Reaction: Postecoglou’s Pride, Pellegrini’s Relief
Postecoglou: “Outstanding football, but no clinical edge. The lads played brilliantly—humidity, pitch, tough. Don’t drop heads; this fuels us.” On Jesus: “Two goals in Seville? Special.” On Antony’s equalizer: “Gut punch, but we learn.”
Pellegrini: “Antony showed heart—assist, goal. Forest’s counters hurt, but our pressure paid off. We grow from this.” On home form: “Fans pushed us; we fight for top eight.”
Stats Highlights:Jesus: First Forest player with a European brace since Collymore (1995).
Antony: First Betis player with goal+assist in a Europa League game since Fekir (2021).
Forest: 3,385 fans, most for a European away since 1980.
xG Differential: Betis’ late surge flipped 0.5 deficit.
Implications: Forest’s European Journey, Betis’ Fight
Forest’s draw earns a point in the 36-team league phase, where top eight advance directly to knockouts, 9th-24th enter playoffs. Next: Anderlecht (home, October 2), a winnable tie. Premier League vs. Spurs (September 28) tests depth. Jesus’ form (5 goals in 6) and Gibbs-White’s leadership signal top-16 potential, but Postecoglou needs wins—0 in 3 since joining.
Betis, with 2 points from 2 (after a 1-1 at Ludogorets), face AZ Alkmaar (away, October 2). Antony’s revival (3 goals, 2 assists in 5) bolsters Pellegrini’s attack, but defensive lapses (4 GA in 2) need fixing. La Liga vs. Villarreal (September 27) looms.
Fan buzz: Forest’s 3,385 sang through rain; Betis’ 28,762 roared late. TNT Sports viewership hit 1.8M.
Stats Table: Balanced Battle
MetricBetisForestPossession 52% 48%
Shots (On Target) 14 (6) 12 (5)
Expected Goals 1.9 1.4
Corners 8 4
Passes (Accuracy) 512 (88%) 468 (86%)
Fouls 12 14
Clearances 10 15
Looking Ahead: Forest’s Dream, Betis’ Climb
Forest’s European return, though not a win, rekindles 1979-80 glory days. Seven league phase games offer chances—Anderlecht, PSV, Roma among them. Postecoglou’s “outstanding” football needs goals; Jesus and Elanga must sharpen. Betis, eyeing a top-eight spot, rely on Antony and Fornals to sustain momentum. Pellegrini’s substitutions flipped the game; more needed vs. AZ.
This 2-2 was a spectacle—Forest’s heart, Betis’ fight. Antony’s late dagger hurt, but Forest’s European story is just beginning, and Seville’s night won’t be forgotten.
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