Europa League 2025-26: Nottingham Forest held by Real Betis up to 2-2 draw; Roma Randen Fun

The long-awaited return from Nottingham Forest to the European competition ended in a 2-2 Europa League-comparial game on Wednesday on Real Betis, with Igor Jesus’ first half double canceled by a late Antony strike, while Roma opened his campaign with a 2-1 victory at Nice.

The return from Forest to a major European competition for the first time since March 1996 started on the wrong foot, with Betis taking the lead within 15 minutes when Cedric Bakambu shot an attempt High on the net.

The two-time European Cup winner responded quickly when Igor reached Jesus from close by within two minutes and then arrived again in the 23rd minute.

Both parties insisted on a breakthrough after the interval. Betis gradually seized more control as the game wore and was finally rewarded for five minutes, when Antony shot the cross of Marc Roca to ensure that the loot was shared.

With the result, Bosbaas Ange Postecoglou became the first permanent manager of the club since Billy Walker in 1946 to go without a victory in his opening of four games.

«I think I should first be proud of the players’ efforts. It is a difficult place to come, difficult circumstances, people do not realize the humidity,» Postecoglou said to TNT Sports.

«I am just disappointed that the players and supporters do not get the rewards for our efforts. I just have to make sure they keep their heads up because there is enough to be positive and the victories will come,» he added.

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Roma started his campaign with a 2-1 victory at Nice, fueled by Quickfire objectives by defenders Evan N’dicka and Gianluca Mancini within three minutes in the second half, after a careful and quiet opening period.

Terem Moffi pulled one back for the host of the penalty spot in the 77th minute after Niccolo Pisilli Antoine Mendy brought down in the area, set up a tense finish, but Nice could not find the equalizer despite late pressure.

Nice Captain Dante became the oldest outfield player in the history of the competition at the age of 41.

Half-time replacement Kelechi Iheanacho shot high in the net to make Celtic forward at Red Star Belgrade in the 55th minute, but Marko Arnautovic hit back 10 minutes later to secure a 1-1 draw.

«We showed moments of quality and the goal of Kelechi was quality, but I still want us to be proactive in the game. It was a nice first step for us in the competition,» said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

Portuguese side Braga celebrated a 1-0 home victory on Feyenoord, sealed by the decisive attack by Fran Navarro in the 79th minute.

Published on September 25, 2025