Forest denied late as Betis snatch draw in Europa League thriller

Forest’s Europa League return ends 2-2 at Betis as late Antony strike rescues the hosts

UEFA Europa League - Real Betis v Nottingham Forest - La Cartuja de Sevilla, Seville, Spain - Sept 24, 2025 Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams in action with Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso REUTERS/Marcelo Del Pozo

Nottingham Forest marked their long-awaited comeback to European competition with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Real Betis in the Europa League on Wednesday, as Igor Jesus’s quickfire double was cancelled out late on by Antony’s strike that rescued a point for the hosts.

Forest’s return to a major European competition for the first time since March 1996 began on the wrong foot, with Betis taking the lead inside 15 minutes when Cedric Bakambu fired an effort high into the net.

The two-time European Cup champions responded swiftly as Igor Jesus levelled from close range within two minutes and then headed in again in the 23rd minute to send Forest into the break ahead.

Both sides pushed for a breakthrough following the interval. Betis gradually seized more control as the match wore on and were finally rewarded five minutes from time, when Antony tucked away Marc Roca’s cross to ensure the spoils were shared.