Antony continued his impressive start at Real Betis by netting on his European debut, guiding his team to a commanding 3-0 victory over Belgium's Gent, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the last 16 of the Europa Conference League. The Brazilian winger, who joined Betis on loan from Manchester United, displayed remarkable skill and confidence, opening the scoring just two minutes after the start of the second half with a brilliant curling strike from the edge of the box.
Not only did Antony score, but he also played a pivotal role in Betis' second goal. He passed the ball to Isco, who cleverly set up Cedric Bakambu, ensuring Betis built on their lead. The scoring was capped off by Sergi Altimira, who slotted one home at the back post as the clock ticked down, leaving Manuel Pellegrini's side with a healthy advantage before the return fixture set to take place next week at their home ground, the Benito Villamarin.
This match marked Antony's continual rise since moving to Betis. Just days earlier, he had opened his account for the club during La Liga action, scoring once against Celta Vigo, albeit in what resulted as a 3-2 defeat. But there was no doubt about his influence at Betis, as he quickly racked up two goals and one assist across his first three appearances. While at Manchester United, Antony became the second most expensive player in the club's history after his transfer from Ajax for £81.3 million but struggled to replicate his form from the Eredivisie. Since April 2023, he managed just one Premier League goal—a stark reminder of the difficulties he faced at Old Trafford.
Fans and pundits alike have noted Antony’s revitalized performance since his move. On social media, Manchester United supporters joked about his newfound form, questioning whether the negative environment at United had stifled his potential. One fan quipped: "You can’t help but laugh. This is Antony. Are we the problem?" Others echoed similar sentiments, with comments highlighting how his confidence appears to have flourished away from the scrutiny of United's fanbase. A third fan noted: "Crazy what confidence can do to a player," illustrating how attitude and support might factor significantly in player development.
Antony's first goal against Gent didn’t just electrify the fans; it reaffirmed the prowess he exhibited during his time with Ajax, where he made his name. This reclaiming of form poses questions about whether players can truly thrive under different circumstances. The impressive nature of his goal brought comparisons of past talents returning to form after moving clubs—feeding the narrative of players needing the right environment to excel.
Betis CEO Ramon Alarcon has acknowledged interest from the club to secure Antony's services on a permanent basis. Speaking to Cadena Ser's Radio Sevilla, Alarcon expressed optimism, stating: "Yes, I think so. The other day the CEO of United called me. We sent them details of the player throughout the week so they can see we’re taking care of their asset. There is very good chemistry with Manchester [United] and with the player, who is happy here. It is a possibility he will continue next season, why not?" This indicates Betis’ hope for Antony to remain beyond his loan spell, adding more depth to their squad.
Though Antony's loan deal does not contain any obligation to buy, negotiations for his transfer will likely be on the agenda if he continues to perform at this level. United, facing scrutiny due to their own player utilization issues, may find it beneficial to recoup some of the investment made for Antony should his future lie elsewhere. The next few months will be pivotal as both clubs assess the viability of such arrangements.
Real Betis are certainly positioned strongly for their upcoming matches, and it appears Antony, with his newly found vitality, will be central to their strategy moving forward. His goal against Gent marks not just another statistic; it symbolizes the upward trend of his career at Betis, one fans hope will blossom as the season progresses.
Following this impressive display, Betis are scheduled to face Real Sociedad next, as Antony aims to extend his scoring run and solidify his position as one of La Liga’s exciting talents of the season.