Manchester United loanees Antony and Jadon Sancho battled against each other for glory. However, what the pair were caught doing at full-time may warm United fans’ hearts.
Chelsea’s 4-1 victory against Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final has capped off a successful first season in charge for Enzo Maresca.
The Blues got off to a flying start in the Premier League before hitting a slump in the second half of the campaign as Champions League qualification doubts started to creep in.
It went right down to the wire for the London club, but a final-day win against Nottingham Forest secured their spot back in the greatest competition in club football.
With Chelsea’s league campaign finished, all eyes were set on their final against Real Betis and Manchester United loanee Antony, who was in the form of his life.
Jadon Sancho consoles Antony at full time
Real Betis Balompie v Chelsea FC - UEFA Conference League Final 2025
Photo by Aitor Alcalde – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Jadon Sancho came off the bench to score a late third goal for Chelsea, ending Antony and Betis’ dreams of a first European trophy.
The pair have both endured a pretty rough time at Man United and the former teammates embraced each other after the final whistle.
Speaking to TNT Sports Brazil, an emotional Antony opened up on his time at United.
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He said: “Those days were incredibly hard for me, those days at home I didn’t have it in me to play with my son.
“There were days I wouldn’t eat, just lying in my room, it was a really dark time for me.”
Both left the club on loan deals this season in an attempt to regain form, with Sancho joining boyhood club Chelsea in the summer and Antony heading for Spain back in January.
The moves have proven to be a success for all parties involved, and with the summer transfer window quickly approaching, both players and clubs will have big decisions to make.
What’s next for Sancho and Antony?
Despite scoring the penultimate goal that helped Chelsea clinch silverware, there have already been doubts around Sancho joining Chelsea permanently.
Chelsea have a £25m obligation to buy Sancho, but can still choose not to sign him by paying United a further £5m.
If the Blues were to opt against signing the former Manchester City academy star, the Red Devils will then have a big decision to make on the winger.
However, Antony’s move to Betis doesn’t include any option to buy the Brazilian, and his sizzling form will surely be attracting clubs from all over Europe.
Antony at Real Betis Stats
Appearances 29
Goals 9
Assists 5
With United braced to sell this summer, it’s looking likely that both Sancho and Antony will this time permanently seek pastures new.