Nottingham Forest’s Europa League journey began with a 2-2 draw away against Real Betis, with Ange Postecoglou criticised for a decision he made during the game.
Forest’s draw against Betis was by no means a poor result, but the Reds will be feeling bittersweet at full-time after dominating the Spanish side for a significant period of the first half.
After his two goals, Forest fans were in awe of Igor Jesus’ performance before he was taken off after an hour, with his teammates having plenty of opportunities to get themselves on the scoresheet, too.
It wasn’t to be for the Reds in the end, though, after Antony equalised in the final five minutes, leading to criticism aimed at Postecoglou for a decision he made during the game.
Ange Postecoglou criticised for half-time substitution against Real Betis
The Reds were electric after Jesus gave them the lead, producing chance after chance that, in hindsight, should’ve seen Postecoglou’s side win comfortably in Spain.
However, at half-time, the Forest head coach made the call to take off Douglas Luiz, with winger Dilane Bakwa replacing him. According to Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell, this decision to lose a midfield presence may have cost the Reds.
Boswell said: “That half-time change from Ange Postecoglou is a baffling one. Nottingham Forest have lost control over the game after taking Douglas Luiz off for Dilane Bakwa and the chances have dried up. Betis enjoying much more of the ball now.”
Postecoglou confirmed after the game that Luiz was taken off due to a hamstring issue, but the Australian had other central midfield options on the bench that he could’ve turned to rather than bringing Bakwa on.
Luiz’s influence was sorely missed in the second half, with his stats from the first period showing exactly what he was offering to Postecoglou’s side.
Nottingham Forest suffered without Douglas Luiz
The Reds boss will be anxiously waiting to find out the severity of Luiz’s hamstring injury, with the Brazilian clearly important to Postecoglou, given that he has started the last three games.
| Statistic | Douglas Luiz vs Real Betis |
| Assists | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 88% |
| Passes into final third | 2 |
In the first half, Luiz was crucial to the Reds regaining control in Seville after Cedric Bakambu’s opener, with a pass accuracy of 88% and two crucial passes into the final third.
The Brazilian assisted Jesus’ second from a corner, too, showing his value from set pieces as this season’s designated taker since he earned his spot in the team.
Wednesday night was a learning curve for the Forest squad, but perhaps the biggest lesson was for Postecoglou, with retaining control a crucial factor in any Europa League success ahead.
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