Nottingham Forest’s long-awaited return to European football ended in frustration as Real Betis snatched a late equaliser to seal a 2-2 draw in the Europa League on Wednesday night.
New boss Ange Postecoglou looked on course for his first victory in charge after summer signing Igor Jesus struck twice in the first half, overturning Cedric Bakambu’s opener for the Spanish side.
But with five minutes left on the clock, former Manchester United winger Antony struck to salvage a point for Betis at Seville’s Cartuja Stadium.
Postecoglou, who guided Tottenham to the Europa League title last season before being dismissed weeks later, is tasked with bringing silverware back to the City Ground for the first time since 1990.
His bold decision to leave Chris Wood on the bench appeared to pay off as Jesus made an immediate impact.
After Bakambu’s thunderous finish put Betis in front, Jesus levelled from close range via Morgan Gibbs-White’s clever pass.
Minutes later, the Brazilian striker rose highest to head home from a corner, giving Forest control of the match. Callum Hudson-Odoi nearly added a third but saw his effort crash against the post.
Forest’s inability to kill off the game proved costly. Betis pressed in the second half and, after several close calls, Antony finally broke through with a composed finish from Marc Roca’s delivery.
It marked another setback for Postecoglou’s men, who also let slip a two-goal lead in their League Cup defeat to Swansea last week.
Forest, still searching for stability under their new coach, now turn their focus back to domestic action with a home clash against Sunderland on Saturday.
