In the first round of the 2025/26 Europa League, Real Betis hosted Nottingham Forest. The game ended in a 2-2 draw after a back-and-forth battle between the two sides.

The match was thrilling from the start, with both teams scoring three goals in just eight minutes. Real Betis broke the deadlock in the 15th minute: Anthony cut in from the right and a through ball found Bakambu, who fired home from inside the penalty area. Just three minutes later, Nottingham Forest equalized through a cross from Gibbs-White, who slotted home a diagonal pass from close range. In the 23rd minute, Douglas Luiz's corner kick was headed home by Jesus, who added another goal. With Jesus' brace, Nottingham Forest extended their lead to 2-1.

Over the next half hour, Nottingham Forest dominated possession and repeatedly threatened the opponent's goal. In the 33rd minute, Zinchenko took a corner kick from the right, and Hudson-Odoi's shot hit the left post. In the 35th minute, Neco Williams crossed from the center of the penalty area, and Igor Jesus' shot was saved by Pau Lopez at the near post. In the 40th minute, Williams sent a lob from the edge of the box, and Gibbs-White's shot was blocked by Lopez again.

The two teams continued to attack after the break, but neither team was able to change the score. In the 48th minute, Hudson-Odoi's long-range shot was saved by Lopez. In the 71st minute, Anthony stole the ball from Morato and sent a through ball. Cujo Hernandez's shot into the near corner was saved by Zells.

In the 85th minute, Real Betis finally equalized. Roca's cross from the left side of the penalty area was met by Anthony, who fired home unmarked. Neither team scored again, and the game ended in a draw.