Betis vs Nottingham Forest Preview

• Draw or Betis win
• Both teams to score

European nights return to Seville as Real Betis begin their UEFA Europa League (UEL) campaign against Nottingham Forest. For Betis, this marks their fifth successive season in European competition, underlining the club’s consistent progress under Manuel Pellegrini. Last season’s journey to the UEFA Conference League final ultimately ended in heartbreak, but it reinforced their status as a dangerous outfit capable of competing with Europe’s best. The Andalusians warmed up for this clash with a convincing 3-1 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga, a much-needed result that snapped a three-match winless streak (D2, L1). Pellegrini will expect his side to use that momentum to lay down an early marker in this season’s continental campaign.

Betis boast an impressive record at home in European group or league-phase fixtures, winning 11 of their last 18 such games (D6, L1). The cauldron-like atmosphere of the Estadio Benito Villamarín often proves decisive, and they will be eager to make that an advantage once again. Their fluid attacking play combined with a possession-based approach gives them the tools to impose themselves on most opponents. However, inconsistency has sometimes plagued them, and facing English opposition has historically posed challenges.

For Nottingham Forest, this fixture represents more than just another match. It is the culmination of a 30-year wait to return to European football, a period that saw the club endure relegations, near financial ruin, and years adrift from the top flight. Now back on the continental stage, the Forest faithful will travel to Spain with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. Many supporters will be watching their team play in Europe for the first time, with the glory days of Brian Clough’s back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980 part of club folklore.

On the pitch, however, Forest are still trying to find their feet under Ange Postecoglou. The Australian, who guided Tottenham to Europa League glory last season, has endured a mixed start to life at the City Ground (D1, L2). His side were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, a result that extended their winless run to five matches (D2, L3). While Postecoglou’s European pedigree offers encouragement, he will need to quickly instil both resilience and identity into this Forest side if they are to navigate a challenging UEL group.

Head-to-Head History

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Real Betis and Nottingham Forest, adding another layer of intrigue to the tie. Betis will be wary of their record against English opposition in European competitions, having lost seven of their last nine such games (W1, D1). That run includes their defeat in last season’s Conference League final, another painful reminder of the difficulties Spanish clubs have sometimes faced against English sides in continental knockout football.

For Forest, the chance to write a fresh chapter is enticing. Their European history is steeped in triumph, but they enter this clash as underdogs. A positive result in Seville could not only lift spirits but also send a message to the rest of the competition that they are not here to simply make up the numbers.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Seventeen of Real Betis’ last 18 competitive matches saw both teams score, underlining their attacking quality but also their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Six of Betis’ last eight UEL home matches produced over 2.5 goals.
• Nottingham Forest have scored first in their last two matches but failed to win either (D1, L1).
• Forest are without a clean sheet in their last eight away matches in all competitions.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

For Betis, Colombian forward Cucho Hernández has been a standout performer. He enters this fixture on the back of goals in consecutive games, and history suggests that his strikes are often decisive: Betis have never lost when he has found the net (W4, D3).

His sharp movement and clinical finishing could pose significant problems for a Forest defence still struggling to find consistency.

Forest’s hopes may rest on the experienced shoulders of Chris Wood. The New Zealand international has previous Europa League experience from his time at Burnley and Birmingham. Interestingly, four of his last five club goals, as well as his last two in this competition, arrived before half-time.

His physical presence and ability to occupy defenders will be crucial if Forest are to unsettle the Betis back line.

On the injury front, Betis remain without midfield maestro Isco, who continues his recovery. For Forest, Murillo was absent against Burnley but could return to the squad here, providing much-needed defensive reinforcement.

Prediction

Real Betis enter this match as favourites given their experience, home advantage, and recent victory over Real Sociedad. Pellegrini’s side are seasoned European campaigners, and their ability to control matches at the Benito Villamarín makes them formidable opponents. While their defensive frailties could give Forest opportunities, Betis’ attacking firepower and rhythm in front of their supporters may well prove decisive.

For Nottingham Forest, this match is as much about occasion as it is about result. Their return to Europe after three decades carries enormous symbolic weight, but Ange Postecoglou’s side are still very much a work in progress. Forest may look to frustrate their opponents and seize on counterattacking chances, but their ongoing struggles to hold leads and keep clean sheets away from home make the task particularly daunting.

Ultimately, while Forest will relish their return to the European stage, Real Betis’ blend of experience, attacking threat, and home advantage should see them edge this contest. Forest will likely improve as the competition goes on, but this opening assignment might prove a step too far.

Prediction: Betis 2-1 Nottingham Forest

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Real Betis vs Nott’m Forest | UEFA Europa League 2025/26