Antony’s Impact at Betis: A Year of Remarkable Performance

Despite dealing with persistent pubic discomfort that has noticeably affected his performance, Antony remains a standout footballer. The Brazilian carefully coordinates with the coaching staff and medical team to manage his training sessions, ensuring he avoids further strain on the injured area. However, once he steps onto the pitch, he puts all concerns aside and makes his presence felt.

Last week marked his first anniversary with Real Betis, having joined during the winter transfer window in January 2025. He made his official debut for the club on February 2 against Athletic Club at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. Since then, his statistics as a Betis player have been nothing short of spectacular. His contributions have been crucial in helping Pellegrini’s team achieve their objectives, showcasing a unique left foot that not only assists from the wing but also scores vital goals.

In a recent match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Antony further solidified his reputation as one of LaLiga’s premier attackers. His relentless efforts throughout the game, pushing down the right flank and consistently providing defensive support to Ruibal, were commendable. Midway through the first half, he broke the deadlock by receiving a pass near the edge of the area, feigning to move outside, and subsequently surprising Oblak with a precise shot to the near post.

This stunning goal allowed Betis to finally overcome their longstanding struggles at the Metropolitano, where their last match ended in a draw nearly a decade ago, followed by an extensive series of defeats. This was Antony’s 10th goal of the season across all competitions, with six of those in LaLiga. Additionally, he has registered eight assists in the domestic league, Europa League, and Copa del Rey, surpassing his early performance metrics from the previous season.

In total, Antony has tallied an impressive 19 goals and 13 assists in 54 official matches during his year at the club. His pivotal role helped Betis secure a spot in the Europa League via LaLiga in the previous season and reach the first continental final in the club’s history, facing Chelsea in the Conference League. Last Thursday, he felt disappointed for not being able to contribute as he wished in their Copa del Rey semifinal run. However, he redeemed himself with a spectacular goal in the latest match, reaffirming his elite status and proving to be a prized asset for Pellegrini.