Manchester United loanee Antony registered another assist as Real Betis were held to a 2-2 Europa Conference League draw by Vitória SC on Thursday.
Betis took the lead three minutes after the break courtesy of striker Cedric Bakambu.
A cross was delivered into a crowded box, making contact with Antony, who headed it on to Bakambu. The Betis n.o 11 showed great strength to get the best of his defender before firing into the back of the net from close range.
It was by no means a glamorous assist by Antony but he won’t care too much, as they all count the same.
Antony with the assist, Cédric Bakambu with that final touch for Real Betis ✨ pic.twitter.com/E3d6bRxvWE
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Betis’ lead didn’t last too long as Joao Sabino Mendes restored parity three minutes after they went ahead. In-form star Isco gave the advantage to Betis in the 75th minute but Vitoria SC hit them back again soon after, through Nelson Oliveira.
The two sides had to settle for the draw, with all to play for next week when they meet at Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques for the return leg.
During the time he was on the pitch, Antony touched the ball 66 times and found his teammates with 37 of the 46 passes he attempted (80% pass accuracy). Two of these were key passes
He connected with one of the three crosses he aimed and the single long ball he pinged.
Antony created one big chance and fired one shot, which was off-target and didn’t require Bruno Varela to swing into immediate action.
The Brazilian completed just one of the four dribbles he embarked on.
He delved into 12 ground duels and came out on top five times. Antony did not contest even one challenge in the air.
The 25-year-old also put in two tackles and drew as many fouls.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
Antony has now logged three goals and three assists in the eight games he’s played for Betis since joining them during the January transfer window.
He has looked like a player reborn and is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Featured image Fran Santiago via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
