Spanish media hammer Junior Firpo after Leeds United exit as Betis draw with Nottingham Forest

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One of the most eye-catching Europa League matches this week saw Nottingham Forest go to Real Betis, and Junior Firpo started at left-back, following his Leeds United exit.

Firpo returned to Betis in the summer on a free transfer after his Leeds deal expired. Firpo was keen to stay at Leeds, but Firpo hinted he could not stay after being offered lower terms following promotion.

Since then, Firpo has returned to old club Betis after Ethan Ampadu’s intoxicated chants from the open-top bus parade. It has seen the Dominican Republic star reunite with Marc Roca and Diego Llorente.

On Wednesday night, Firpo started for Betis as the La Liga side took on Nottingham Forest, a clash between Manuel Pellegrini and Ange Postecoglou on the touchline. The clash ended in a 2-2 draw.

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Spanish media hand Junior Firpo a rating of 2/10 for Betis display

Betis opened the scoring through veteran striker Cedric Bakambu, but Forest replied quickly. Leeds were linked with Forest striker Igor Jesus in the summer, and he netted a quick-fire brace to put Forest 2-1 up.

However, former Manchester United winger Antony made it 2-2 late on, to the dismay of Postecoglou who is still looking for his first win as Forest gaffer after four matches in charge, in all competitions.

Firpo was hooked at half-time and El Correo Web gave Firpo 2/10: “He gave Gibbs-White a lot of space at 1-1 and showed a lot of insecurity in every defensive action. Very little in attack. Substituted at half-time.”

Junior Firpo had made a brilliant start to life back at Real Betis

Firpo has started five of Betis’ seven games in all competitions this season, rested in La Liga games against Elche and Celta Vigo, both of which ended in 1-1 draws. His first three outings were excellent.

But in the last two games, Firpo has struggled to replicate his best form. Betis secured a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on the weekend but Firpo was far from his best, and certainly, he was miles off it against Forest.

Meanwhile, Leeds have brought in Gabriel Gudmundsson as Firpo’s replacement for a fee of £10m from Lille. A brilliant signing as it turns out, with the belief Leeds have finally solved their left-back problem.