Antony nets late equaliser as Betis draw with Forest in Europa opener

Real Betis fought back to draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest in their Europa League opener in Seville on Wednesday, with former Manchester United winger Antony setting up the opening goal and then scoring a late equaliser to secure a point for the hosts. The result left Forest, making their first appearance in European competition since the 1995-96 season, disappointed after creating the clearer chances over 90 minutes.

Betis took the lead when Antony combined with Cedric Bakambu to create a slick move that ended with Bakambu lashing a finish past the goalkeeper in the 15th minute. Forest responded almost immediately, Morgan Gibbs-White picking out Igor Jesus to tap into an empty net, and Jesus then put Forest ahead with a headed finish from a Douglas Luiz corner midway through the first half to complete a quickfire brace that turned the contest on its head. Antony ghosted into the box in the 85th minute to convert a low cross and level the score.

Forest dominated possession and opportunities, producing 2.78 expected goals from 16 shots compared with Betis' 0.5 from nine attempts, according to match data. Several clear chances were missed by Forest in the opening period, including...