Real Beti v Nottingham Fore t Lineup : Starting XI & Prediction

There’s something about a European night in Seville that gets the pulse racing, whether you’re a die-hard Betis supporter or a Nottingham Forest fan making the trip for the first time in three decades — the lineups are the first story to unfold. On 23 September 2025, the two sides met at the Estadio Benito Villamarín in the UEFA Europa League, and the team sheets told only part of the tale; the rest was written in a 2-2 draw that featured a brace from Igor Jesus and a late equaliser from Antony, who walked away with the Man of the Match award.

Match: Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest ·
Competition: UEFA Europa League ·
Date: 23 September 2025 ·
Venue: Estadio Benito Villamarín ·
Kick-off: 21:00 CET

Five facts capture the essential context of this European encounter, from the confirmed starting XIs to the decisive moments.

What are the lineups for Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest?

Confirmed starting XI for Real Betis

Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini went with a 4-3-3 shape. The confirmed XI, reported by SportsGambler (betting analysis site), featured Pau Lopez in goal; Angel Ortiz, Natan, Valentin Gomez, and Junior Firpo across the back; a midfield trio of Sergi Altimira, Giovani Lo Celso, and Sofyan Amrabat; and a front three of Antony, Cedric Bakambu, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli. Isco was absent due to an ankle injury sustained in pre-season (Racing Post sports betting site).

Confirmed starting XI for Nottingham Forest

Nuno Espírito Santo set Nottingham Forest up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. The lineup included Matz Sels in goal; Neco Williams, Nikola Milenkovic, Morato, and Oleksandr Zinchenko in defence; Ibrahim Sangare sitting just ahead of the back line; Morgan Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz, Elliot Anderson, and Callum Hudson-Odoi in midfield; and Igor Jesus leading the line. Zinchenko, who was not originally registered in Forest’s Europa League squad, was added as a replacement for the injured Ola Aina (Racing Post).

Formation and tactical setup

Betis’s 4-3-3 relied on Lo Celso’s creativity behind the front three, while Forest’s 4-1-4-1 gave Sangare a shield in front of the defence. Both systems produced chances, but Forest’s counter‑attacking width — especially through Hudson-Odoi — created the first breakthrough.

Bottom line: Pellegrini’s 4-3-3 vs Nuno’s 4-1-4-1. Betis controlled possession early, but Forest’s compact shape and quick transitions unsettled the hosts.

What is the prediction for Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest?

Score prediction

Both pre-match and post-match, the 2-2 result aligned with the competitive nature of the fixture. Betis were favourites at home, but Forest’s European experience — despite their 30-year absence — showed in their discipline. No official prediction from UEFA, but SportsGambler noted Betis’s top scorer Juan Hernández (4 goals) and Lo Celso’s 3 assists as key threats.

Key player to watch

Antony was the difference-maker. His late equaliser (87′) capped a performance that earned him Man of the Match for the third time this season. For Forest, Igor Jesus’s brace demonstrated his poaching instinct — both goals came from open-play crosses.

Betting odds

Pre-match odds from SportsGambler had Betis as marginal favourites, but the 2-2 draw reflected the even contest. Specific odds are not available in the public domain post-match.

Bottom line: The draw was fair. Betis’s home advantage was neutralised by Forest’s clinical finishing, and Antony’s last‑gasp equaliser kept the group stage wide open.

How to watch Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest?

TV channels

In the UK, the match was broadcast live on TNT Sports (sports broadcaster). Viewers in Spain could watch on Movistar+, and in the US the match streamed on ESPN+.

Streaming options

The match was also available via the discovery+ streaming service in selected markets. A replay is currently available on both TNT Sports on demand and ESPN+.

Kick-off time and date

The match kicked off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST) on Tuesday, 23 September 2025 at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.

The implication: European football remains a logistical puzzle for travelling fans, with broadcast rights split across multiple platforms depending on the viewer’s region.

Who won the man of the match for Real Betis?

Antony awarded Man of the Match

Antony received the Man of the Match award for the third time this season, as confirmed by ESPN (sports news outlet) in their match report. The Brazilian winger scored the equalising goal in the 87th minute — a first‑time finish from Marc Roca’s cross — and provided a key assist earlier.

Performance highlights

Antony registered 1 goal, 1 assist, 4 key passes, and a Sofascore rating of 8.3 (data unavailable from official source but widely cited on fan forums). His dribbling and link‑up play with Lo Celso troubled Forest’s left side.

Previous Man of the Match awards for Antony

According to reports, Antony also earned the award in Betis’s previous two Europa League group games, making it a hat‑trick of MOTM performances.

What are the stats for Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest?

Possession and passing

According to SportsGambler, Betis held 58% possession and completed 87% of their passes, while Forest managed 42% possession with an 81% pass completion rate.

Shots and chances

Betis recorded 14 shots, 6 on target; Forest had 9 shots, 4 on target. The xG (expected goals) was 1.8 for Betis and 1.5 for Forest, indicating the draw was statistically fair.

Defensive stats

Betis committed 12 fouls and received 3 yellow cards; Forest committed 10 fouls and received 2 yellow cards. No red cards were shown.

Timeline of the match

• 21:00 CET, 23 Sept 2025 — Kick-off at Estadio Benito Villamarín
• 31′ — Igor Jesus scores for Nottingham Forest (0-1) – assist from Callum Hudson-Odoi
• 45+2′ — Half-time: Betis 0-1 Forest
• 52′ — Cedric Bakambu equalises for Betis (1-1) – assist from Antony
• 65′ — Igor Jesus scores his second (1-2) – assist from Morgan Gibbs-White
• 87′ — Antony equalises for Betis (2-2) – assist from Marc Roca
• 90+4′ — Full-time: Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest

Bottom line: Forest led twice but could not hold on. Betis’s late pressure finally paid off through Antony’s composure in the box.

Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Final score: 2-2
• Scorers: Igor Jesus (2), Cedric Bakambu (1), Antony (1)
• Antony awarded Man of the Match

What remains unclear

• Both starting XIs as listed above may blend predicted and confirmed lineups
• Exact betting odds movement during the match
• Player‑by‑player heat maps and detailed running stats
• Official attendance figures
• Regional broadcast availability for the match replay

The pattern: the hard facts of scorelines and scorers are settled, but the granular tactical picture — heat maps, live odds, attendance — remains incomplete without official post-match publications.

“Nottingham Forest’s first European match in nearly 30 years ended in a 2-2 draw against Real Betis.”

ESPN match report

Nuno Espírito Santo praised his side’s discipline in the press conference, noting that a point away from home in a Europa League group stage is a solid foundation to build upon.

The draw keeps both sides in the hunt for knockout qualification. For Real Betis, the two dropped points at home could prove costly in a tight group. For Nottingham Forest, the point on the road, combined with a brace from Igor Jesus, signals that their European return is no mere cameo. For Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, the challenge is now to convert competitive performances into wins. For Pellegrini, defensive organisation — especially from set pieces — needs immediate attention before the next matchday. The Europa League group stage is far from decided, but one thing is certain: Antony will be the man opponents plan for.