Betis take on the visitors Nottingham in the round 1 match of UEFA Europa League group stage. The match will be played on Wednesday, September 24th at Estadio de La Cartuja (Sevilla).
Betis are trying to maintain a high level. The Cucumbers are very much a coach-driven side, achieving good success under Pellegrini. It once felt like their level was declining after the Copa del Rey triumph, but last season they bounced back. With the mid-season loan of Antony, they climbed to a solid sixth place in La Liga and also reached the UEFA Conference League final. The decisive match, however, was lost without much chance against Chelsea. The Brazilian winger had to return to Manchester United, but Betis eventually secured his transfer on deadline day, albeit for only 50% of his rights. By then, their league start had been shaky — after a 1-0 win over Alavés, they were held to 1-1 away draws against Elche and Celta. Even in September, reunited with Antony, they quickly conceded twice at Levante, although at least they salvaged a draw. In the last round, they showed character with a convincing 3-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Betis’ attacking play looks more fluid with Antony back, while Isco has been in excellent form, pulling strings in midfield. Still, defensive stability remains an issue, as they have yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
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Nottingham Forest, under Marinakis, have undeniably reached a level unseen for years. Once a historic club stuck in the Championship without hope, they are now back on the European stage. Yet their owner’s aggressive transfer policy has often created chaos. In 2023/2024, they were deducted points for financial breaches, but luckily Nuno Espírito Santo arrived in time to steer them clear of disaster. Last season, he even led them to the Europa League, though the campaign ended in disappointment. For much of it, Forest were sitting 3rd or 4th in the Premier League, but they collapsed at the finish, dropping to 7th — just two points short of the Champions League. That failure wasn’t forgiven, and Nuno was dismissed after the new season had already started, even after the club brought in several signings, including Zinchenko on loan. His replacement, Postecoglou, began with a disastrous 0-3 defeat to Arsenal, a bitter blow given his Tottenham past. A 1-1 draw with Burnley followed, while in the League Cup they were eliminated by Swansea on penalties after another 1-1 stalemate. Forest’s attack remains dependent on Gibbs-White, but their defense looks fragile and disorganized. Postecoglou’s pressing style will need time, and early results suggest a rocky adjustment period.
In 2018, the Spaniards won 1-0 in the only friendly between the clubs. The Verdiblancos are more experienced and play at home. The recommendation is to back them with a “0” handicap.
Prediction for the match: Betis to win with 0.0 handicap.
