(Football result) - Antony netted in the final moments, ensuring Real Betis retained a point on home soil versus Nottingham Forest on their Europa League debut.
Nottingham Forest’s return to European competition was spoiled when Antony equalized in the 85th minute for Real Betis, securing a point on their Europa League opening day.
Forest’s first European cup match in 29 years got off to a rough start as Congolese forward Cedric Bakambu put Real Betis ahead in the 15th minute.
However, in a thrilling match, Brazilian striker Igor Jesus quickly leveled the score just four minutes later with a close-range finish from a precise pass by captain Morgan Gibbs-White.
By the 23rd minute, Jesus, a £10 million signing from Botafogo in July, shone again with a header to make it 2-1 following a corner from Douglas Luiz.
Igor Jesus shines with a brace
Coach Postecoglou surprised everyone before kickoff by benching Chris Wood, a key player in Forest’s European qualification last season, and starting Jesus instead.
The Brazilian striker nearly completed a hat-trick when his shot in the 32nd minute was blocked after a skillful run by Elliot Anderson past several Betis defenders.
Anderson stood out in midfield while Jesus remained a constant threat upfront. Forest had a chance to extend their lead when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s shot hit the post in the 33rd minute. Yet, victory slipped away as Antony shone for Betis, slotting home a precise finish in the 85th minute from a teammate’s left-wing cross, securing a crucial point at home for Real Betis.