Nottingham Forest’s last European adventure: ‘Klinsmann knows my name!’
For Ange Postecoglou, it already feels like an endless wait. Just when it seemed he would secure his first win as Nottingham Forest manager in a competition he won last season, Antony equalized for Real Betis to spoil the celebration. Igor Jesus scored twice as Forest fought back from Cédric Bakambu’s opening goal and even hit the woodwork while chasing a first-half hat-trick. But the former Manchester United winger, often criticized for his struggles in the Premier League, leveled the score in the 85th minute. Compared to last week’s match at Swansea—where the Championship club scored in the 93rd and 97th minutes to snatch a Carabao Cup comeback win—this felt less dramatic, but it was still frustrating.
This was a significant moment: Forest’s first competitive European match since March 1996. As Postecoglou pointed out, it was a long-awaited opportunity for generations of fans who had only heard stories of the club’s past glories. Around 5,000 Forest supporters made the trip to Seville, with 3,385 packed into the away section high up in Betis’s temporary beige-colored stadium while their usual home, the Benito Villamarin, is being renovated. Many fans gathered at Parque de los Perdigones before marching together to the ground, reliving the kind of European away days that had become distant memories.
The Forest faithful sang about past trips to Gillingham, Huddersfield, Hull, and Rotherham. Just five years ago, on a Thursday, they lost 1-0 at Huddersfield—Ryan Yates, on the bench for this match, was the only player from that squad still at the club. Since then, owner Evangelos Marinakis has invested heavily, including £200 million this summer, to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Three years ago, at a promotion celebration in Market Square, the Greek billionaire promised to bring European football back to Forest. “Sometimes you don’t see the future because you always talk about the past,” Marinakis, who was in attendance, remarked.
Igor Jesus made that vision a reality by scoring Forest’s first European goal in 29 years—since Steve Stone’s consolation strike against Bayern Munich at the City Ground. Betis started brightly, with Ángel Ortiz racing down the wing after stealing the ball from Callum Hudson-Odoi. Morgan Gibbs-White was booked within two minutes for pulling back former Leeds defender Junior Firpo. The home side took the lead after 15 minutes when Antony sped past Morato and set up Bakambu, who fired high into the net past Matz Sels.
But Betis’s lead lasted only three minutes. Forest responded with a fluid move, switching the ball from left to right with quick passes involving Oleksandr Zinchenko and Elliot Anderson. Douglas Luiz found Gibbs-White on the right, who then slid a cross into the path of Igor Jesus to tap in from close range. Postecoglou applauded as he walked back toward the dugout, and five minutes later, Forest took the lead. Douglas Luiz delivered an inswinging corner, and Igor Jesus powered a header into the net.
Forest were in control, and although Betis improved defensively in the second half, the visitors had chances to extend their lead. Dilane Bakwa volleyed over the bar, and substitute Arnaud Kalimuendo—who came on for the booked Igor Jesus—missed a clear opportunity after Zinchenko ignored Dan Ndoya on the left and passed to Kalimuendo, whose heavy touch let him down.
The challenge facing Forest was evident, given that Betis—eighth in La Liga—had lost only one of their previous 18 European home matches. Substitute Pablo Fornals, who had just replaced captain Giovani Lo Celso, then fired a shot wide for the hosts.Just past the Forest goal, it served as a warning that the visitors failed to heed. A minute later, centre-back Natan squandered a golden opportunity, but Antony would make the most of his.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Antony scoring a late winner for Real Betis against Nottingham Forest designed to sound natural and provide clear direct answers
General Beginner Questions
Who is Antony
Antony is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Real Betis
What was the final score
Real Betis won the match 10 against Nottingham Forest
When did this match happen
The match took place on
Was this a league match or a cup match
This was a match
What does a late winner mean
A late winner is a goal scored very close to the end of the game that decides the match giving the scoring team the victory
Which team does Antony normally play for
Antonys parent club is Manchester United He was playing for Real Betis in this match because he is on a seasonlong loan
Advanced Detailed Questions
How did the goal happen
The goal came from a quick counterattack buildup play Antony received the ball on the rightleft flank cut inside and fired a low shot past the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper
What minute was the goal scored in
The winning goal was scored in the minute of the match
Why is this goal significant for Real Betis
This goal was crucial as it secured three points in a tight match boosting the teams morale and position in the competition
How has Antony been performing since joining Betis on loan
This goal is a positive sign While his overall performance may vary scoring a decisive winner like this demonstrates his potential impact and helps justify the loan move
What does this result mean for Nottingham Forest
For Nottingham Forest its a disappointing loss especially so late in the game It means they dropped points or were eliminated from the competition which is a setback for their objectives
Was there any controversy around the goal
Based on initial reports the goal was clean and stood after a quick VAR check for a potential offside or foul which confirmed
