Nottingham Forest made their long-awaited return to European competition with a rollercoaster of a night in Seville. A 2-2 draw with Real Betis that saw them take the lead twice, only for Betis to snatch a point late.

For Forest boss, Ange Postecoglou, it was a performance full of promise, but also a reminder that tight matches are cruel. 

Betis struck first. In the 15th minute, Cédric Bakambu got on the end of a sliding pass from Antony and buried a shot into the top right corner. The home crowd buzzed. 

Forest responded almost immediately. Just three minutes later, Morgan Gibbs-White found Igor Jesus unmarked at the far post, and Jesus tucked in a low finish to level. And before Betis could settle, Forest had turned the game around five minutes later, in the 23rd minute, when Jesus met a Douglas Luiz corner with a powerful header. Suddenly, Forest were 2-1 up. 

Forest were dominating at that point, quality in possession, dangerous on the break. Betis looked rattled and perhaps a little flat. 

After the break, Betis made a couple of changes and started pressing more. Forest tried to hang on but increasingly came under pressure as Betis upped the tempo and volume of attack. 

Forest had some moments, Hudson-Odoi had a chance, people blocking, Forest defending resolutely. But Betis just kept knocking. 

Finally, in the 85th minute, Betis forced a way back. Antony, following up earlier involvement, received a cross from Marc Roca at the far post and hammered home a first-time finish. Cue celebrations. Forest’s lead evaporated. 

They didn’t concede much more after that, but there was time for nerves. Forest pressed to regain the edge, Betis defended with intensity.

Written by Pejuola Ransome