Antony’s Late Strike Denies Nottingham Forest Dream Return to Europe

When it looked like the Premier League side were set for a victorious night, it was the former Manchester United man who put paid to their dreams

It was supposed to be Nottingham Forest’s night. Twenty-nine years since their last appearance on the European stage, Ange Postecoglou’s side looked set to crown their return with a statement victory in Seville.

Debutant striker Igor Jesus, possessed with the swagger and fearlessness that defines Postecoglou’s football, had scored twice to turn the game on its head, as if in an impatient dismissal of Betis’ bravado.

And then came Antony. The Brazilian continued his good work for Balompie from last season, his 85th-minute equaliser silencing the Forest celebrations and leaving Postecoglou still waiting for his first win as Forest manager.

For Forest, the emotions were complicated. There was frustration at letting victory slip through their fingers, but then there was also pride at returning to Europe, having only been a Championship side three years ago.

Betis had begun in control and scored the opener when Antony carved Forest open down the right and supplied Cedric Bakambu, who rifled the opener high into Matz Sels’ net after 14 minutes played.

But within three minutes Postecoglou’s side were level, a sweeping move ending with Morgan Gibbs-White’s cut-back for Jesus to tap home. The Brazilian summer signing struck again shortly after, towering above Betis’ defence to nod in Douglas Luiz’s corner.

For 20 minutes after that double, Forest looked irresistible. Elliot Anderson darted and fizzed crosses into dangerous areas. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jesus both came close. Forest really should have made it 3-1. It was the sort of spell that hinted at a goal being just on the horizon.

Manuel Pellegrini shuffled his pack at the interval and the Spanish side began to assert themselves. But they could not muster up enough clear-cut chances as Forest began to sit deeper.

Pablo Fornals fired just narrowly wide of the top left corner with his weaker left foot, and then with only five minutes to go, he started a brilliant team move that ended with Marc Roca angling a cross from inside the box to the far post. Lurking there with intent was Antony, who lashed home first time and then ran off in celebration, pointing to his Iluminado tattoo.

Forest had defended well and stayed solid for the better part of an hour, but in the end it was one Brazilian cancelling out another’s efforts, and Postecoglou continues to wait for his first victory as Forest Manager.