Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest Holds Real Betis 2-2 in Europa League

Ange Postecoglou's frustration was palpable as his Nottingham Forest team let a 2-1 lead slip away against Real Betis in the Europa League

Antony denied Ange Postecoglou his first win as Nottingham Forest manager by claiming Real Betis a 2-2 Europa League draw on Wednesday, as the English side returned to continental competition for the first time in 30 years.

Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with Real Betis in the Europa League, with Antony scoring a late equalizer...

Ange Postecoglou's wait for his first win as Nottingham Forest manager continues after the team drew 2-2 with Real Betis in the Europa League. Antony scored the equalizing goal in the 85th minute, denying Forest the win in their return to continental competition after 30 years.

Postecoglou's Reaction

Postecoglou expressed his disappointment, stating, “I'm just disappointed that the players and supporters don't get the rewards for our efforts.” Despite the draw, he highlighted the positives, saying, “I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half. The thing I could fault is we didn’t put the game to bed.”

Nottingham Forest dominated the early stages, with Igor Jesus scoring a first-half brace to put them 2-1 ahead. However, Cedric Bakambu's goal for Real Betis and Antony's late equalizer changed the course of the game. Postecoglou's side had opportunities to seal the win, but they couldn't hold onto the lead.

Antony's 85th-minute goal ensured Real Betis secured a share of the spoils against Nottingham Forest. The match seemed evenly poised, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

Ange Postecoglou, Nottingham Forest's manager, is determined to bring success to the club. Having won the Europa League with Tottenham last season, Postecoglou was surprisingly sacked shortly after. Now, he's aiming to end Forest's wait for a major trophy since 1990.

Ange Postecoglou made a tactical decision to drop target man Chris Wood to the bench, instead choosing Jesus, the striker signed from Botafogo this summer, to start against Real Betis. Jesus delivered for the Australian coach, scoring crucial goals. Meanwhile, Antony, a former Manchester United winger playing for Betis, was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for his team.

The match was hosted at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville, as Betis' home ground, Benito Villamarin, undergoes renovation. Cedric Bakambu scored the opening goal for Betis in the 15th minute, giving them an early lead. Despite this, Jesus's goals kept Nottingham Forest in the game, reflecting Postecoglou's influence on the team's style of play.

Antony's clever pass set up Cedric Bakambu, who scored with a precise shot into the top corner from close range.

Forest quickly equalized through Igor Jesus, who tapped home from close range after a precise pass from Morgan Gibbs-White. Jesus doubled Forest's lead just five minutes later, heading home from a corner kick.

Callum Hudson-Odoi had a chance to put Forest ahead by two goals but hit the post with the goalkeeper out of position. This near miss would ultimately prove costly for Forest.

It finishes level in Seville. pic.twitter.com/GLNSkLkgZh

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) September 24, 2025

Nottingham Forest's two-goal lead slipped in the dying minutes, with Antony scoring from Marc Roca's cross just five minutes from full time. This collapse echoes their League Cup elimination by Swansea last week, where they also failed to hold onto a two-goal advantage.

This latest setback continues Postecoglou's winless streak as Forest manager. After four away games under his leadership, Forest now prepares to host Sunderland at the City Ground. Given Sunderland's recent form, including three wins in their last three away games, Forest will need to improve their defensive resilience.

Upcoming Match

Forest's next match is at home on Saturday. Postecoglou will be looking to secure his first win and build on the positives from the Betis game. Despite the winless streak, Postecoglou's influence on the team is already apparent, with players like Elliot Anderson and Oleksandr Zinchenko showcasing their passing skills.

The match between Nottingham Forest and Sunderland is scheduled for September 27, 2025, at 16:30 UTC. Nottingham Forest, currently ranked 15th with 5 points, will face off against 7th-placed Sunderland, who has accumulated 8 points. The head-to-head record favors Sunderland, having won 5 of their last 7 matches against Forest.