Europa League: Welcome Back Forest – Two-Time Champions of Europe

Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest

As they begin their Europa League campaign, a first saunter back into European football in three decades, this SBOTOP scribe admits he has concerns about Nottingham Forest, twice champions of Europe under the late, great Brian Clough.

It’s not that I feel the boys from the Trent will be in danger of relegation this term – although I think a regression is inevitable after such a superb 24/25 campaign.

It’s more that the loss of manager Nuno Espirito Santo will have rocked the team to its core and uncertainty in any dressing room up and down the country can be damaging.

On a more upbeat note, I’ve no doubt the arrival of Ange Postecoglou will help deliver some Europa League 2025 highlights between now and Christmas.

It’s just this contest against last season’s Europa Conference finalists, a team who finished sixth in La Liga last term, may come too soon in his tenure.

 

Talking Points

Betis warmed up for this one with a 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad, a result which briefly lifted them up into fourth spot in the table.

It was a contest which showcased a number of players who have experience of playing in England.

One-time Spurs man Giovani Lo Celso lifted the tempo and the Argentina playmaker drove at the defence in the seventh minute, which led to Cucho Hernandez picking up his pass and turning before rifling the ball into the roof of the net to get Los Verdiblancos off to an excellent start.

Then, in the second period after Sociedad had levelled, Betis started strongly and a ball from recently departed Man Utd winger Antony caused panic and led to an own goal.

With 20 minutes remaining, the home side made good on their dominance as ex-Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin pulled one back for the unmarked Pablo Fornals, once of West Ham, to slot in the third.

That sealed the points and gives astute Chilean, Manuel Pellegrini (who won the Premier League title with Manchester City in 2014) and his charges confidence as they welcome their English visitors to the Villamarin Stadium.

For Forest to be here is terrific. At one point last season, it looked like they may even be playing in the Champions League which is remarkable when you consider their rivals for a top five finish were backed to the hilt on a scale not seen before in English football with the likes of Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle enjoying riches beyond their dreams. 
They didn’t quite make it, in fact they actually qualified for the Europa Conference, but the ownership rules which prevented FA Cup winners Crystal Palace from taking part, means Forest are in the second tier of European football.

The issue for Postecoglou – who won this trophy last season with Spurs – is that he is replacing such a popular figure.

Ultimately, Santo took a team from 17th to seventh, within a point of qualifying for UEFA’s premier competition and everyone loves Nuno at Forest, where he built something very special, getting the best out of the individual and collective.

Now the Aussie needs to do the same.

While Forest have made a slow start to the season, their really only alarming note was their late collapse at Championship side Swansea in the League Cup last week.

Forest had looked like they were set for a comfortable victory after Igor Jesus’ first-half double put them in command but they conceded two goals deep in stoppage time to lose 3-2 which, even with a a number of first-team regulars, was a shock.

During Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Burnley, there were early glimpses of the new manager’s influence on his new charges in a game in which he was without two of his first-choice back four with Ola Aina and Murillo both absent.

Now for the Euro adventure.

 

History

Although they locked horns in a 2018 friendly, this will be the first ever competitive meeting between the sides.

 

Betting Tip

The Europa League 2025 betting odds back Betis who, naturally, have far more European experience amongst their number.

In front of their passionate fans, they can be backed 1X2 @ 2.08 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 1.91.

Forest, meanwhile, are on offer 1X2 @ 3.18 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.42 – a very attractive option indeed.

I have been sorely tempted to go for 1X2 Draw @ 3.25 and Over 2.75 goals @ 2.20 also caught my eye, as did Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.98.

Ultimately, I think this will be an open affair with both sides in attacking mode so my *** tip is going to be for goals galore and Total Goal 4-6 @ 3.36.

As for who will triumph overall, though, is anyone’s guess!

     

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