UTRECHT, Netherlands (Interstat) — Nottingham Forest opened its Europa League campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over FC Utrecht on Thursday at Stadion Galgenwaard.

Arnaud Kalimuendo put the visitors ahead in the 52nd minute. Utrecht defender Mike van der Hoorn equalized in the 73rd, but substitute Igor Jesus secured the win for Nottingham Forest with an 88th-minute goal. Jesus also assisted on Kalimuendo’s opener.

The result defied pre-match projections that heavily favored the Dutch side. Four yellow cards were issued in a physical second half. Nottingham Forest begins group play with a win, while Utrecht starts with a loss.