Igor Jesus' Double Leads Nott. Forest To Hold Real Betis To Draw

Nottingham Forest secured an impressive start to the UEFA Europa League with a 2-2 comeback draw against Real Betis as Igor Jesus scored a brace to lead the side through. 

Forest returned to the European competition for the first time in 40 years, and they ensured they made the most of the first game against Real Betis, which finished in a draw. They were poised to win, having led for much of the game, but Betis were resilient, and since they are a much-experienced side in the competition, they found an equalizer late into the game. 

Nevertheless, the outcome was rewarding to the Premier League side, even though they had chances that could have put the game to bed before the Spaniards made a comeback. Forest came from behind to lead from the first half, scoring two goals within five minutes.  

Betis opened the scoresheet in a quarter of the game. Anthony Santos reacted to a loose ball from Cedric Bakambu's fast break and played in the striker, who struck a right-footed volley into the top corner of the left post.  Forest responded with the equalizer three minutes later following a buildup from the left wing. Morgan Gibb-White's cross arrived rightly inside the six-yard box for Igor Jesus' tap-in from close range. 

Five minutes later, Forest moved ahead with the second goal as Igor Jesus headed home Douglas Luiz's corner. Forest remained ahead until the 85th minute when the Spaniards seized a set-piece to level. Following a throw-in,  Marc Roca dribbled his way into the box and squared a pass with Anthony, who blasted the ball into the net. 

Even as Forest were able to avoid a defeat to Betis, they remained winless in four consecutive games in all competitions. They will meet Midtjylland in the next UEFA Europa League game.