Antony Secures Draw for Betis Against Postecoglou's Forest in European Comeback
Ange Postecoglou's hopes of securing his initial victory with Nottingham Forest were dashed by Antony's late equaliser, resulting in a 2-2 stalemate against Real Betis in the Europa League on Wednesday. This marked the English team's return to European action after a 30-year absence.
The freshly appointed manager appeared poised for success in his fourth outing leading the twice European Cup champions, following a pair of goals from Igor Jesus in the opening period, which had overturned Cedric Bakambu's early strike for the Spanish outfit.
Yet Antony emerged in the penalty area to fire the ball into the net during the 85th minute, ensuring Betis earned a point from the encounter.
Postecoglou, fresh from lifting the Europa League trophy with Tottenham last term only to depart shortly thereafter, seeks to halt Forest's drought for a significant honour since 1990.
"This venue presents challenges, tough circumstances that fans might overlook, like the moisture in the air and its draining effect on stamina, even the surface itself," Postecoglou remarked to TNT Sports.
"Our play stood out brilliantly on occasions during the initial half. The sole criticism I have is our failure to seal the match decisively."
The Forest boss opted to rest leading forward Chris Wood on the substitutes' list in place of Jesus, and the forward acquired from Botafogo this transfer window repaid the faith shown by the Australian tactician.
For Betis, ex-Manchester United wide player Antony proved pivotal, assisting in the build-up to their initial score.
Playing at Seville's Cartuja stadium owing to ongoing works at their Benito Villamarin base, Betis went ahead in the 15th minute courtesy of Bakambu.
Antony drifted inwards from the flank and supplied the DR Congo forward, who swivelled and rifled a shot into the upper corner via the near upright.
Nottingham Forest responded promptly via Brazilian forward Jesus, who finished from near range after Morgan Gibbs-White's grounded delivery sliced open the backline to reach him.
Jesus netted his brace merely five minutes on, nodding past the keeper from a set-piece corner where Betis defence afforded him too much room.
Callum Hudson-Odoi came close to extending the lead but struck the upright with an open goal awaiting. In the end, it proved costly for Forest.
Betis Rally Strongly
Manuel Pellegrini, Betis' manager, introduced three fresh faces at interval to galvanise his team.
The southern Spanish club sought a leveller after the restart and nearly succeeded when Pablo Fornals unleashed a fierce effort from afar, though it veered off target.
Finally, their persistence paid off as Antony converted from Marc Roca's delivery with only five minutes left on the clock.
"Our aim was the full three points, yet we must move forward and press on," Antony stated.
"We opened the scoring and needed to maintain our drive, but the levels fell away...
"Earlier today I chatted with my sibling, and he predicted I would find the net, so I am thrilled that it happened."
Much like their recent exit from the League Cup at the hands of Championship side Swansea seven days prior, Postecoglou's charges squandered their advantage.
"I feel let down that neither the squad nor the followers receive the credit due for their hard work," Postecoglou continued.
"My role now is to ensure they remain motivated, as there are numerous encouraging signs, and victories will follow in time."
Nottingham Forest, enduring four successive away fixtures under the new head coach, welcome Sunderland to their ground this Saturday.