Things have gone from good to great for Antony over at Real Betis after a European Conference League play-off clash with Gent.
Manchester United were lucky enough to avoid a round of European fixtures this week by securing a top-eight finish in the league phase in the Europa League.
However, Real Betis did not achieve this in the Conference League and so Thursday night handed Antony another chance to shine with the eyes of Europe on his performances.
The Brazilian took the opportunity with both hands, stealing all the headlines with a truly stupendous strike in his trademark style.
Antony’s goal means he has scored two in two over the past week for Betis, showing United that he is not as bad as he’s shown over the past two years.
The display left the media in Spain wowed.
GENT - (l-r) Jordan Torunarigha of KAA Gent, Antony of Real Betis during the UEFA Europa Conference League match between KAA Gent and Real Betis FC...
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
After Antony’s brilliant goal in Betis’ 3-0 win, the Spanish press were lauding the display that the Brazilian put in.
AS claimed that Antony raised madness among the Betis supporters with his perfect shot.
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“Antony returned to his favourite action. He advanced in his diagonal and his perfect shot raised the madness among the 1,500 béticos who moved to Gent. The winger loaned by Manchester United already makes a difference in Betis.”
Mundo Deportivo praised Antony for how fast he has turned his career around.
“The Brazilian, who practically became a ‘meme’ for his failure at Manchester United, landed at Real Betis in what seemed like a desperate measure and, in just three games, it seems that the coin flip move is about to work out well.
“It’s still early to launch rockets, but the player looks very good. Already in the first half Antony left quality plays and fooled around with the goal on two very clear occasions.”
El Desmarque rated Antony’s performance as an 8/10.
“Again scoring a quality goal and being the first, always the most complicated. Diagonal with an open shot mark of the house, which tried a couple of times. The good ones don’t need adaptation.”
Estadio Deportivo also gave Antony an 8/10 rating, lauding him as unstoppable.
“Quality detail in his first goal attempt, pricking the ball and looking for the post. The Brazilian wants to do it well and it shows, although sometimes that excess for participating makes him make mistakes. Despite everything, his class is decisive against this type of rivals as he showed in the 0-1 with a classic play of his own. Driving and unstoppable shooting from the front.”
Diario de Sevilla pointed out Antony’s goal came as a result of him trying the move a number of times.
“Antony made the same move three times, which he will repeat insistently until May: cut inward and hit with thread. In the first the goalkeeper made a stop, the second he narrowly left and the third he adjusted well to the net.”
Real Betis label Antony ‘The Goat’
Antony’s performance was enough to earn his second man of the match award since joining Betis. The display against Gent even led to the official Betis X account calling Antony, “La Cabra” which translates as “The Goat”.
Besides the goal, Antony had a solid display but it was nothing groundbreaking with his goal stealing the spotlight.
74 minutes
1 goal
4 shots
1 chance created
34/40 passes
53 touches
0 successful dribbles
1 interception
2 defensive actions
4 recoveries
2/6 duels won
Antony has been very decent since moving to Betis – which we hope continues as it is a win-win for United.
If he can keep up this goalscoring form all season, United will be confident of recouping a healthy chunk of the £86m transfer fee – with £25m or so a win for the club.
Next for Antony is Sunday night against Real Sociedad where he will be looking for three in three.