Nottingham Forest Upsets Real Betis 2-1 in Europa League Opener

Match context and team form

Wednesday’s Europa League fixture at Estadio de La Cartuja turned out to be more than just another mid‑week game. It marked Nottingham Forest’s return to European competition after a decade‑long absence, and it pitted the Premier League newcomers against a side that had just rattled off a 3-1 La Liga win over Real Sociedad.

Betis entered the match as clear favourites. Bookmakers priced them at +117, suggesting almost a 50 % chance of victory, while the home crowd expected a display of the attacking fluency they had shown against Sociedad – six shots on target despite only 50 % possession. Manager Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked sharp, especially after the goal‑filled outing that featured Juan Hernández, an Alex Remiro own‑goal and Pablo Fornals.

Forest, meanwhile, arrived on the back of a 1-1 draw at Burnley, a game where they owned 63 % of the ball and piled up eight attempts on goal. The Tricky Trees were still adjusting to a new manager, but the squad’s confidence was bolstered by Neco Williams’ late equaliser and the belief that they could translate domestic resilience into European success.

Key moments and implications

The game quickly debunked the odds. Early on, striker Awoniyi Jesus made life uncomfortable for Betis’s back line. His first goal came from a towering header that rattled the net, a reminder that aerial threat can overturn possession stats.

The second strike was even more telling. A lapse in communication left defender Natan stranded in no‑man’s land, and Jesus, unmarked, swooped in for another powerful header. Betis managed to pull one back, but the damage was done – the Spanish side looked out of rhythm, and their defensive frailties were on full display.

Beyond the goals, a few other narratives emerged. Elliot Anderson’s darting runs and a near‑assist that could have set up a hat‑trick for Jesus kept the Forest attack lively. Meanwhile, Hudson‑Odoi’s creativity forced Betis’s defenders to scramble, creating several half‑chances that never materialised.

For Forest, the 2-1 win isn’t just three points; it’s a statement of intent. It proves the squad can handle the pressure of continental football and that the new manager’s tactics are clicking. The victory also adds a fresh layer of belief as they head into the next group stage matches.

Betis, on the other hand, will need to reassess. Their domestic form remains solid, but the European stage demands tighter organization, especially at the back. The loss serves as a reminder that success in La Liga doesn’t automatically translate to success abroad.

Looking ahead, both clubs have a lot to play for. Forest will aim to build on this momentum, hoping to secure a top‑two finish in their group and avoid the familiar trap of early exits. Betis must tighten up their defence and find ways to convert possession into clear‑cut chances if they hope to progress beyond the group phase.