Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest held by Antony’s Real Betis on European return

SEVILLE – Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou insisted there will be many “positives” to come, as he was denied his first win for the club in a 2-2 Europa League draw at Real Betis on Sept 24.

The Australian seemed set to triumph in his fourth match at the helm of the two-time European Cup winners thanks to a first-half brace from Igor Jesus, after Cedric Bakambu sent the Spanish side ahead.

However, former Manchester United winger Antony popped up in the box to slot home in the 85th minute and claim Betis a share of the spoils.

Postecoglou, who won the Europa League last season with Tottenham Hotspur before being sacked little over a fortnight later, is aiming to end Forest’s wait since 1990 for a major trophy.

“It’s a difficult place to come, difficult conditions, people don’t realise the humidity out there, how energy-sapping it is, even the pitch,” he told TNT Sports.

“I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half. The thing I could fault is we didn’t put the game to bed. I’m just disappointed that the players and supporters don’t get the rewards for our efforts.

“I’ve got to make sure they keep their heads up, there’s plenty to be positive about and the wins will come.”

Betis’ key man was Antony, who helped create the opening goal.

Hosting the game at the Cartuja stadium in Seville while their Benito Villamarin home undergoes renovation, Betis took the lead in the 15th minute through Bakambu.

Antony floated inside from the right and fed the DR Congo international, who drilled into the top corner.

Forest levelled swiftly through Brazilian striker Jesus, who netted his second just five minutes after his first.

The Andalucians probed for an equaliser in the second half. Eventually their pressure told and Antony tucked home from Marc Roca’s cross with five minutes remaining.

“We wanted the three points, but we have to turn the page and continue,” said Antony.

“We scored first and we had to keep the same intensity, but it dropped... I spoke with my brother today, he told me I was going to score a goal and I’m very happy (I did).”

Just as in their early League Cup elimination by second-tier Swansea a week ago, Postecoglou’s side let a lead slip. It is probably too early to say that the coach is already under immense pressure, but he knows that the results must come soon.

Forest, who have played four away games in a row since he was appointed, host Sunderland at home in the Premier League on Sept 27.

Roma got their campaign for a first Europa League title under way with an impressive 2-1 victory at Nice.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, who have reached at least the semi-finals in three of the previous five seasons, secured a winning start thanks to two goals in the space of three second-half minutes from Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini.

Terem Moffi pulled one back for Nice from the penalty spot with 13 minutes to play, but Roma held on.

Local authorities and prosecutors said 102 people identified as Roma ultras, many of whom caught with potential weapons, were arrested in the build-up to the game for intending to commit violence.

“There were no injuries or damage. Calm was quickly restored and security was fully ensured throughout the night,” the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes said in a statement.

Celtic, playing in the competition for the first time since 2021 after an embarrassing loss to Kairat Almaty in Champions League qualifying, were held to a 1-1 draw by fellow former European champions Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. AFP, REUTERS

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