The Prague Post - Postecoglou's Forest held by Antony's Betis on European return

The new coach seemed set to triumph in his fourth match at the helm of the two-time European Cup winners thanks to a first-half brace from Igor Jesus, after Cedric Bakambu sent the Spanish side ahead.

However Antony popped up in the box to slot home in the 85th minute and claim Betis a share of the spoils.

Postecoglou, who won the Europa League last season with Tottenham before being sacked little over a fortnight later, is aiming to end Forest's wait since 1990 for a major trophy.

He dropped target man Chris Wood to the bench in favour of Jesus, and the striker signed this summer from Botafogo delivered for the Australian.

Betis' key man was former Manchester United winger Antony, and he helped create the opening goal.

Hosting the game at the Cartuja stadium in Seville while their Benito Villamarin home undergoes renovation, Betis took the lead in the 15th minute through Bakambu.

Antony floated inside from the right and fed the DR Congo international, who turned and drilled into the top corner at the near post.

Forest levelled swiftly through Brazilian striker Jesus, who tapped home from close range after Morgan Gibbs-White's low pass cut through the defence to find him.

Jesus had his second just five minutes later, heading past Matz Sels from a corner as Betis left him in space.

Callum Hudson-Odoi almost grabbed a third but hit the post with the goal gaping. It came to cost Forest.

Betis probed for an equaliser in the second half and almost found one when Pablo Fornals lashed towards goal from distance but the ball sailed wide.

Eventually their pressure told and Antony tucked home from Marc Roca's cross with five minutes remaining.

Just as in their early League Cup elimination by second-tier Swansea a week ago, Postecoglou's side let a two-goal lead slip.

Forest, who have played four away games in a row since the coach was appointed, host Sunderland at home on Saturday.

A.Slezak--TPP