Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest: Antony's Impressive Performance Saves Betis from Defeat!

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The opening UEFA Europa League match between Real Betis and Nottingham Forest on September 24, 2025, ended in a 2-2 draw.

This intense match, played at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville, Spain, featured a thrilling four-goal thriller.

This result ensured both teams shared a point at the start of their European campaign.

Real Betis winger Antony was the hero, contributing a goal and a crucial assist.

The former Manchester United winger, who had struggled in the Premier League, scored an 85th-minute equaliser to rescue Betis from defeat against Forest at home.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest made history by returning to European competition after a 29-year absence, highlighted by two quickfire goals from Igor Jesus.

90’ (+X) FULL TIME! It ended in a tie!💚🤍 #RealBetisNFFC 2-2 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/Yi5fqE6NYi

— Real Betis Balompié (@RealBetis_en) September 24, 2025

Real Betis started the match aggressively, and their efforts paid off in the 15th minute after Cedric Bakambu opened the scoring for the hosts after receiving a precise low pass from Antony in the penalty area.

Despite being reviewed by VAR, the early goal was ultimately allowed.

However, Betis' lead was short-lived after Nottingham Forest responded quickly through Igor Jesus, who equalized in the 18th minute after latching onto a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White.

Just five minutes later, Jesus scored again in the 23rd minute, making it 2-1 to Forest's advantage at halftime.

However, Real Betis' persistence finally paid off in the final minutes of the match after Antony once again came to the rescue, scoring the equalizer in the 85th minute, after receiving a cross from Marc Roca.

This goal secured a 2-2 draw, salvaging a crucial point for Real Betis at home.

Antony's performance in the Real Betis vs. Nottingham Forest match was described as "brilliant" and "inspiring."

The Brazilian recently moved to Real Betis permanently from Manchester United for around £21.65 million, following a successful loan spell.

In addition to his crucial goal, Antony also provided an assist for Cedric Bakambu's opening goal.

His significant contribution to both Betis goals earned him FotMob's Player of the Match award.

His statistics include an 82% pass completion rate from 45 attempts, two chances created, and successfully completing four of his five dribbles.

Defensively, Antony also showed dedication, making three tackles, two interceptions, and seven recoveries, winning 67% of his ground duels.

Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso stated that Antony's return was crucial for the club.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini also admitted that bringing Antony in "wasn't cheap," but he seems to be settling in at Seville.

Antony celebrated the equalizer in the final minutes by pointing to the "iluminado" tattoo on his neck.

For Nottingham Forest, it was their first match in European competition in 29 years, a historic moment eagerly awaited by fans.

Real Betis also returned to the Europa League, signaling their ambitions in the European arena.

The 2-2 draw leaves both teams with one point in their Europa League group.

Nottingham Forest return to England to prepare for Saturday's home clash with Sunderland (5:30pm BST) and then host Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League next Thursday (8:00pm) - their first competitive European match at the City Ground since March 19, 1996.

Real Betis' next Europa League match is away to Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria next Thursday (5:45pm BST).