The La Liga stage is proving to be Antony's redemption ground, as the former Manchester United winger continues his sensational resurgence at Real Betis.
After a challenging spell at Old Trafford, the Brazilian international delivered a moment of pure magic against Atletico Madrid, netting the decisive goal and sealing a crucial 1-0 victory for his new club. It was a performance that had fans buzzing, not just for the stunning strike, but for his iconic tribute to a former teammate.
Key Points:
- Antony scored the only goal in Real Betis's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
- The Brazilian celebrated his long-range stunner by emulating Cristiano Ronaldo's famous pose.
- This victory significantly strengthens Betis's hold on a European qualification spot in La Liga.
- Manager Manuel Pellegrini lauded Antony's effort despite the winger battling an ongoing pubalgia issue.
Antony Unleashes Magic, Channels CR7
The moment arrived when Antony, cutting in from the right, unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot from distance. The ball screamed past a surprised Jan Oblak at his near post, electrifying the Betis faithful. But the fireworks didn't stop there.
Post-goal, Antony struck a familiar pose, adopting the unmistakable celebration of Cristiano Ronaldo. This homage isn't new; Antony has long expressed his admiration for the Portuguese legend. Upon joining Manchester United in 2022, he famously called Ronaldo "the best in the world" and acknowledged learning immensely from him.
This latest performance even prompted Betis teammate Marc Bartra to draw lofty comparisons, describing Antony as a "mixture of Ronaldo and Neymar." High praise indeed, underscoring the Brazilian's growing influence.
Pellegrini Praises Grit Amidst Betis's Triumph
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini was quick to highlight his team's defensive solidity as the foundation for their victory, especially coming just days after a painful 5-0 Copa del Rey defeat to the same Atletico Madrid side.
"It has been key to maintain defensive security and not concede three goals like in the previous match," Pellegrini stated. "We stayed alert, focused, intense, and we didn't allow Atletico Madrid to have the spaces they had on Thursday."
Regarding his match-winner, Pellegrini added, "I'm happy for him because it was a great goal; he comes with pubalgia problems that don't prevent him from playing. The pain gets stronger when it gets cold. He worked a lot on the wing. It was a complete team effort both defensively and offensively."
European Dreams Fuelled by a Revitalised Star
This crucial win has fortified Real Betis's grip on fifth place in La Liga, keeping their aspirations for a Champions League spot very much alive. Antony's consistently impactful performances will be vital if the Andalusia-based outfit are to achieve their European ambitions.
His journey at Betis represents a compelling redemption story. After a challenging big-money move to Old Trafford, Antony has found his rhythm and confidence in La Liga, demonstrating the flair and attacking prowess that initially drew so much attention. His revival is a testament to perseverance, proving that a change of scenery can unlock a player's true potential.
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