Betis vs Nottingham Prediction, Preview, Odds: 24/9/2025

Real Betis host Nottingham Forest at the Estadio Benito Villamarín on September 24 as both clubs look to start their Europa League campaigns on the right foot. For Betis, the match offers a chance to translate moments of promise into consistent results, while Forest arrive in Spain desperate to halt their recent slump.

Betis Seeking Stability at Home

Under Manuel Pellegrini, Real Betis have displayed flashes of control and creativity but remain plagued by inconsistency. Their last five La Liga fixtures have yielded three draws, including a 2-2 stalemate with Levante in which Pablo Fornals and Cucho Hernández found the net. While Betis continue to generate chances through their midfield, defensive lapses have repeatedly undermined their progress.

The Andalusian side will look to veterans like Isco and Fornals to dictate tempo, while Hernández provides a direct threat in the final third. Playing at home should give Pellegrini’s men the confidence to impose their possession-based game, but tightening the backline remains an urgent priority if they are to compete effectively in Europe.

Forest’s Defensive Woes

Nottingham Forest arrive in Seville under mounting pressure after a difficult run in the Premier League. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have conceded 11 goals in their last five outings, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Despite an opening-day win against Brentford, Forest’s form has sharply declined, and their failure to keep a clean sheet in 13 consecutive matches highlights the scale of their defensive issues.

The burden of creativity has largely fallen on Morgan Gibbs-White, while Taiwo Awoniyi remains their main outlet in attack. However, the midfield’s struggles to provide adequate defensive cover have left the backline repeatedly exposed. Espírito Santo will likely set his side up to absorb pressure and hit Betis on the counter, hoping to exploit set-piece opportunities or moments of individual brilliance.

Tactical Battle and Prediction

This matchup pits Pellegrini’s patient, possession-heavy style against Espírito Santo’s counter-attacking blueprint. Betis are expected to dominate the ball and probe for openings, while Forest will look to spring forward quickly when given space. With home advantage and greater cohesion, Betis appear better equipped to dictate the rhythm of the game.

Still, Forest’s unpredictability and determination to bounce back should make it a competitive encounter. Both teams are capable of scoring, but Betis’ ability to exploit defensive lapses could prove decisive late on.

Predicted Score: Real Betis 2 – 1 Nottingham Forest

Betis should have enough quality and control to edge the contest, opening their Europa League campaign with three points. Forest may threaten through Gibbs-White or Awoniyi, but unless their defensive structure improves, the Spanish side’s discipline and home support are likely to carry the day.