Igor Jesus Scores Twice, Antony Strikes as Betis and Nottingham Forest Draw 2-2 in Europa League Opener
Seville, Spain – Betis and Nottingham Forest played out an exciting 2-2 draw in the first round of the Europa League at the Olímpico de La Cartuja on Wednesday, thanks to standout performances from Brazilian stars Igor Jesus and Antony.
Betis Takes Early Lead, But Forest Responds Quickly
The match started with Betis taking the lead through Cédric Bakambu, the former Botafogo striker, after a precise assist from Antony in the 14th minute. However, Nottingham Forest responded swiftly, with Igor Jesus scoring twice in a span of eight minutes to turn the game around.
The first goal came in the 17th minute after a flowing move from Forest’s left side, finished by Igor following a low cross from Gibbs-White. Five minutes later, Igor doubled his tally by heading home a corner delivered by Douglas Luiz, marking his second start and fourth goal of the season.
Antony Shines in Europa League Debut
Betis refused to go down without a fight. In the 39th minute, Antony, nicknamed “Antonio de Triana” by Betis fans, scored his first Europa League goal. After a brilliant run by Fornals and a cross from Roca, Antony was unmarked and fired into the net to level the score at 2-2.
The result leaves Betis and Nottingham Forest with one point each, sitting in seventh and eighth place in the group stage table, with positions still subject to Thursday’s matches.
