At the La Cartuja stadium on 24/9, Antony was instrumental in Betis' performance. He touched the ball 76 times, completed 82% of his passes with two key passes, completed four dribbles, and took three shots, one of which was on target. His performance earned him a 9 rating from Sofascore, the highest of the match.

Cedric Bakambu scores the opening goal in the 2-2 draw between Real Betis and Nottingham Forest in their first Europa League match at La Cartuja Stadium, Seville, Spain on 24/9/2025. _Photo: UEFA_

In the 15th minute, Antony cut inside from the right wing and passed to Cedric Bakambu. The Congolese striker took two touches before firing a shot into the near top corner, giving Betis the lead.

Nottingham Forest responded with two goals from Igor Jesus, turning the game around. Jesus, a recent arrival from the Brazilian club Botafogo, became the first Nottingham Forest player to score a brace on his European debut.

Antony scores the equalizing goal to make it 2-2. _Photo: Marca_

However, Antony’s late heroics secured a point for Betis. In the 85th minute, Marc Roca made a run down the left side of the penalty area and crossed to the far post. Antony arrived to volley the ball into the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and igniting the La Cartuja crowd.

"It was a relief," Antony told Movistar after the match. "I spoke with my brother today, he told me I would score and it came true. I'm very happy to have scored, but also a little sad that we couldn't win. My family went through very difficult times in the slums. I dedicate this goal to my son, who is here with my wife, and to my brother."

Antony celebrates his goal. _Photo: Marca_

Antony was a key figure for Betis during his loan spell in the latter half of the 2024-2025 season. He scored 9 goals in 26 appearances, helping Betis finish 6th in La Liga and reach the Conference League final (where they lost 4-1 to Chelsea).

Despite his contributions, Antony was excluded from the Manchester United first team by manager Ruben Amorim upon his return to Old Trafford in the summer of 2025. He missed the pre-season tour and was placed on the transfer list. Ultimately, Man Utd accepted a significant loss to sell Antony to Betis. Antony himself took a 30% pay cut to facilitate the transfer.

"I'm very tired," Antony said about his physical condition. "The last few weeks have been tough because I didn't have a pre-season and have only been training with the team for about two or three weeks. In front of our home fans, we wanted three points, but we have to accept this result and look to the next match."

Betis' next match is at home against Osasuna in La Liga on 28/9.

Hong Duy