Antony and European competitions have been a good combination at Real Betis for two years now. The Brazilian played an important role last season in reaching the Conference League final, and at a higher level Antony is important as well. 'My brother said I was going to score.'
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Real Betis fought hard to earn a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, with Brazilian forward Antony playing a decisive role in the outcome.
The winger, who joined Betis permanently from Manchester United this past summer, delivered both a goal and an assist to secure a valuable point for the Spanish side, proving his ability to rise to the occasion on the European stage.
For Betis, the result keeps their chances alive in a tightly contested group where every point matters. Nottingham Forest, making their presence felt in Europe after a long absence, showed resilience and threatened to leave Seville with all three points. However, Antony’s individual brilliance ensured that Manuel Pellegrini’s men avoided defeat in front of their home supporters.
What made Antony’s performance even more remarkable was the context. This was only his third appearance of the season, as injuries and fitness struggles have severely limited his involvement since the start of the campaign. The 24-year-old has endured a difficult few months, and his emotional words after the final whistle reflected just how much the moment meant to him.
"I am tired, it has been very difficult for me," Antony admitted. "I haven’t been able to do much in the past few months and have only been training with the team for two weeks."
The Brazilian’s honesty highlighted the physical and mental challenges he has faced since his move away from Old Trafford. Despite these struggles, his determination shone through on the pitch, where he reminded fans of his creativity, speed, and decisive finishing ability.
"Today is a feeling of relief," he continued. "I spoke with my brother before the match and he told me I would score. My family and I have been through a lot in the favela, we have experienced very difficult times. Today I feel strong. I want to dedicate my goal to my son, my wife and my brother."
Antony’s words and actions resonated deeply with the Betis supporters, many of whom have been eager to see him fulfill the potential that once made him one of the most talked-about wingers in Europe. At Ajax, he was a star performer in the Champions League, and at Manchester United he arrived with high expectations but struggled to consistently deliver. Now, in Spain, he appears to be slowly rebuilding his career.
Spanish media were quick to praise his performance. The Seville newspaper Diario de Sevilla described Antony as "the key man" in the clash against Forest, noting that he is "slowly but surely beginning to reach the top." Meanwhile, sports daily AS went even further, labeling him the "savior" of Betis on a night when the team needed someone to step up. "Great players step up when no one expects it," the paper wrote, underlining the importance of his contribution.
Statistics also underline his growing impact in Seville. Since joining Real Betis last year, Antony has scored ten goals for the club, with half of those coming in European competitions. His knack for shining on continental nights suggests he thrives in the spotlight, something Betis will need as they continue their Europa League journey.
The 2-2 draw not only showcased Antony’s resilience but also served as a reminder of Betis’ ambitions. Under Pellegrini, the Andalusian side has built a reputation for combining attacking flair with discipline, and the addition of a rejuvenated Antony could prove decisive in their push for success both domestically and in Europe.
For Nottingham Forest, the match was also a statement of intent, as they managed to challenge Betis in their own stadium. Yet the headlines belonged to Antony, whose comeback story is beginning to capture attention in Spain and beyond. If he can maintain fitness and rhythm, Betis may have found a player capable of turning tight matches into memorable nights.
Updated: 10:57, 25 Sep 2025
