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SEVILLE, Spain: Nottingham Forest’s long-awaited return to European competition ended in a 2-2 Europa League draw at Real Betis on Wednesday, with Igor Jesus’s first-half double canceled out by a late Antony strike, while AS Roma opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory at Nice.

Forest’s return to a major European competition for the first time since March 1996 began on the wrong foot, with Betis taking the lead inside 15 minutes when Cedric Bakambu fired an effort high into the net.

The two-time European Cup winners responded swiftly as Igor Jesus leveled from close range within two minutes and then headed in again in the 23rd minute.

Both sides pushed for a breakthrough following the interval. Betis gradually seized more control as the match wore on and were finally rewarded five minutes from time, when Antony tucked away Marc Roca’s cross to ensure the spoils were shared.

With the result, Forest boss Ange Postecoglou became the club’s first permanent manager since Billy Walker in 1946 to go without a win in his opening four matches.

“I think first I should be proud of the players’ efforts. It’s a difficult place to come, difficult conditions, people don’t realize the humidity out there,” Postecoglou said to TNT Sports.

“I’m just disappointed that the players and supporters don’t get the rewards for our efforts. I’ve just got to make sure they keep their heads up because there’s plenty to be positive about and the wins will come.”

Dante sets age record

Roma began their campaign with a 2-1 victory at Nice, sparked by quickfire goals from defenders Evan N’Dicka and Gianluca Mancini within three minutes early in the second half, after a cautious and uneventful opening period.

Terem Moffi pulled one back for the hosts from the penalty spot in the 77th minute after Niccolo Pisilli brought down Antoine Mendy inside the area, setting up a tense finish, but Nice could not find the equalizer despite late pressure.

Nice captain Dante became the oldest outfield player in the competition’s history at 41.

Halftime substitute Kelechi Iheanacho fired high into the net to put Celtic ahead at Red Star Belgrade in the 55th minute, but Marko Arnautovic struck back 10 minutes later to secure a 1-1 draw.

“We showed moments of quality and Kelechi’s goal was quality but I still want us to be proactive in the game. It was a nice first step for us in the competition,” Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said.

Portuguese side Braga celebrated a 1-0 home victory over Feyenoord, sealed by Fran Navarro’s decisive strike in the 79th minute.

MADRID: Julian Alvarez scored a hat-trick to snatch Atletico Madrid a thrilling 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Wednesday.
The Rojiblancos fell behind in the 78th minute but Alvarez, who had opened the scoring, struck twice more in the final stages to claim three points for Diego Simeone’s side.
The Argentina international helped Atletico secure only their second win from six league matches during a shaky start to the campaign.
Atletico are ninth and trail league leaders Real Madrid by nine points ahead of Saturday’s derby clash against Xabi Alonso’s side.
Alvarez, who missed a penalty in Atletico’s frustrating draw at Mallorca last weekend, opened the scoring at the Metropolitano stadium.
The 25-year-old, who joined from Manchester City in 2024, volleyed home from Marcos Llorente’s looping cross after 15 minutes to get the ball rolling.
The striker should have netted a second before half-time but fired high over the crossbar from Nahuel Molina’s perfectly-judged ball.
Visitors Rayo made the hosts pay in first-half stoppage time when Pep Chavarria scored one of the goals of the season, a bullet from distance which ripped into the top corner past Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
Rayo substitute Alvaro Garcia sent his team ahead when played in on goal, rounding Oblak before squeezing home from a tight angle.
It enraged Atletico and they began pouring forward, quickly finding an equalizer.
Rayo goalkeeper Augusto Batalla kept out an effort from Simeone’s son Giuliano, but Alvarez was on hand to blast the rebound home from point-blank range.
With Rayo rocking he completed his treble in the 88th minute, producing a superb finish to beat Batalla from the edge of the box.
After grumbling about being substituted during the Mallorca game, Alvarez showed his coach against Rayo why he is best left on the pitch.