Ange Postecoglou is still waiting for his first victory as Nottingham Forest manager after his side’s Europa League opener against Real Betis ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw in Seville.

Forest led for most of the night, but an 85th-minute strike from Antony snatched away what looked to be a statement win in Postecoglou’s European debut with the club.

“I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half. The only disappointment is we didn’t put the game to bed,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports. “I feel for the players and supporters because they deserved more, but there’s a lot to be positive about. If we keep this up, the wins will come.”

Jesus Justifies Selection

Real Betis struck first in the 15th minute through veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, but Forest responded quickly. Brazilian forward Igor Jesus, preferred controversially over Chris Wood, silenced doubters with two goals before half-time — the first from a Morgan Gibbs-White cross and the second a powerful header from a corner.

“Postecoglou’s call to start Jesus over Chris Wood has been vindicated,” said Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell, while TNT Sports’ Lucy Ward noted: “There were raised eyebrows over the decision, but the Brazilian proved him right with that first-half display.”

Jesus nearly completed a hat-trick, and Callum Hudson-Odoi rattled the post, as Forest looked poised to take control.

Betis Fight Back

The momentum shifted after the break, with Postecoglou’s decision to substitute Douglas Luiz drawing criticism. Betis pressed relentlessly in the second half, and their pressure eventually told when Antony equalised late on at Estadio La Cartuja.

“Ange will be kicking himself,” Boswell added. “His first win as Forest boss was there, but his half-time changes backfired.”

Former England midfielder Joe Cole also weighed in: “Forest looked like a side carrying a mental block. They’ve conceded late goals, crashed out of the League Cup, and you could see the nerves in those final 20 minutes.”

What’s Next

For Postecoglou, the wait for a first win continues as Forest, playing in Europe for the first time in three decades, prepare to host Sunderland on Saturday.

---

Want me to also make SEO tags, focus key phrase, slug, and meta description for this piece like we’ve done with your other rewrites?