Last week marked one year since Antony's debut in the green and white shirt. Joining Betis in the January 2025 transfer window, the Brazilian striker debuted in the match against Bilbao at Benito Villamarin on 2/2/2025. Since then, Antony has made a significant impact with crucial goals, impressive performance, and an irreplaceable role in coach Manuel Pellegrini's system.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, persistent groin issues forced Antony to adjust his training intensity. The Betis coaching staff and medical team closely managed his appearances, rest periods, and recovery training in the gym. But whenever he played, the 25-year-old seemed to forget the pain, continuing to make a difference with his technique and sharp finishing ability.

Antony celebrates his goal in Betis' 1-0 win over Atletico in La Liga's 23rd round at Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain on 8/2. *Photo: Goal*

In the latest match at Metropolitano on 8/2, Antony continued to shine as a star in La Liga. He played 87 minutes, touched the ball 49 times, completed 76% of his passes with one key pass, carried the ball forward 16 times, and consistently supported right-back Aitor Ruibal defensively. The Brazilian striker received a 7,6 rating from Sofascore, the second highest for Betis, trailing only goalkeeper Alvaro Valles with 8,3 points.

The most spectacular moment came in the 28th minute when Antony dribbled from the right wing, cut into the middle, and curled a shot with his favored left foot into the near corner, securing Betis a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid. That super goal not only brought three important points but also helped Betis break a nearly one-decade-long losing streak in away matches at Metropolitano.

This is Antony's 10th goal across all competitions this season, including 6 in La Liga and 4 in the Europa League. In total, over his one year with Betis, Antony has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 54 matches across all competitions. Last season, he played a crucial role in helping the club qualify for the Europa League via La Liga and reach their first-ever European Cup final in club history, in the Conference League – where they lost to Chelsea.

After the match at Metropolitano, Antony admitted that Betis had faced a week of intense pressure, making the three points particularly meaningful, both professionally and mentally. "I am very happy to score, but even happier for the win", he expressed. "This shows Betis is a cohesive team. The whole squad understood the importance of this match and knew that we needed to change a lot, especially regarding game intensity".

Antony makes a gesture of putting three points in his pocket after Betis' win over Atletico Madrid.

A few days prior, Betis had lost 0-5 to Atletico at home in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals. The 25-year-old said coach Manuel Pellegrini made important adjustments before the rematch in Madrid. "We reviewed the video of the Copa del Rey loss", he said. "That was when the whole team had to self-criticize. We changed our energy, changed our intensity, almost changed everything. So I am very happy with the three points we earned".

The Brazilian star emphasized that this victory was an apology to the fans after the heavy defeat in the Copa del Rey. "We told each other that this week was a turning point", the former Man Utd striker stressed. "The coach had very frank discussions, and the whole team understood that we needed to change at all costs. Losing heavily at home in front of over 60.000 spectators is very difficult to accept. This victory is for the fans, who always support us wholeheartedly".

On 15/2, Antony and his teammates will visit Mallorca in La Liga's 24th round.

Hong Duy (according to Marca)