Nottingham Forest supporters had a night full of memories during their clash in Seville against Real Betis, experiencing a match that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago.
Despite securing a commendable 2-2 draw against the Spanish side, there were undoubtedly feelings of disappointment for the Reds, who couldn’t hold on to their lead.
Cedric Bakambu initially put Real Betis in front, but a quick double by Igor Jesus gave Forest a 2-1 lead before half-time. However, their hopes of a historic victory were dashed when Antony scored a late equalizer.
While Forest fell short of securing all three points, their strong first-half performance was considered one of the club’s best in years, with many players standing out during that period.
Douglas Luiz played a pivotal role for Forest against Real Betis, putting on another impressive display. The Brazilian midfielder, alongside Elliot Anderson and Ibrahim Sangare, controlled the midfield, showcasing strong passing accuracy and a flawless cross completion rate.
Luiz made key contributions both on and off the ball, with solid recoveries and ground duel victories. Despite being substituted at half-time for precautionary reasons, his impact was undeniable.
In contrast, Arnaud Kalimuendo, a summer signing for Forest, struggled to make an impact after coming on as a substitute. The French forward failed to convert a crucial chance and had limited touches on the ball, losing possession frequently. His ineffectiveness led to criticism and a below-par match rating.
While Kalimuendo is a talented player with potential, his disappointing performance highlighted a need for a stronger presence up front. Nevertheless, he is expected to play a key role for Forest in upcoming fixtures as they navigate a busy schedule.
Forest will hope for Luiz’s swift recovery from injury to maintain their momentum, with a crucial match against Sunderland on the horizon.
