"What will you do?"
Real Betis pulled off an upset by defeating Real Madrid 2-1 in the 26th round match of the 2024-2025 La Liga season, held on Dec. 2 at 2:30 a.m. (Korean time) at Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville, Spain. With this victory, Betis extended their winning streak to three games, moving up to 6th place with 38 points. On the other hand, Real Madrid, with 16 wins, 6 draws, and 4 losses, sits at 3rd place with 54 points.
The hero of the victory, Antony, started as a right winger in Betis' 4-2-3-1 formation and played the full match. He did not just remain a simple attacker; rather, he showcased dedicated play on both offense and defense, greatly contributing to the team's victory.
In attack, he utilized his characteristic speed and left-foot dribbling ability to shake up the opponent from the flanks. He persistently targeted Real's left defense, where Ferland Mendy and David Alaba were stationed, by attempting crosses. His pass success rate reached 92%, and he created two scoring opportunities, helping his teammates' attacks.
The area where Antony shone even more was in defense. According to football statistics media 'WhoScored.com', Antony recorded 6 successful tackles, 1 interception, 2 clearances, and 6 recoveries, demonstrating proactive defensive involvement. He particularly contributed to effectively blocking the left side, which Vinícius Júnior usually targets, preventing Real Madrid from creating threatening attacks.
Based on this performance, football statistics media 'FotMob' awarded Antony a rating of 7.5. He received the third-highest rating among Betis players, following Isco, who recorded 1 goal and 1 assist (rating 9.1), and Johnny Cardoso, who scored the equalizer (rating 7.8).
During his time at Manchester United, Antony faced criticism from fans due to frequent inconsistencies and underwhelming performances. He joined Manchester United for a transfer fee close to €100 million (around 140 billion won) in the summer of 2022, but his frequent mistakes and predictable play led to an infamous label of 'failure'.
As a result, Antony lost his opportunity this season and was loaned to Real Betis during the January transfer market. The outcome has been a complete success. Since arriving at Betis, Antony has regained his confidence and has transformed into a top-tier winger in La Liga.
Since joining Betis, Antony has made his mark by scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists in 7 official matches. Notably, he has recorded attacking points in three consecutive La Liga matches, fully regaining form. Furthermore, he is taking on defensive roles, evolving into a versatile winger.
Based on this performance, he was also named a candidate for February's 'Player of the Month' award, selected by the La Liga office. Although he did not win the award, it shows that Antony is being recognized for consistently demonstrating solid performance rather than just a brief burst of form.
Betis captain Isco also provided a positive assessment of Antony's transformation. According to British outlet 'The Athletic', Isco noted in a press conference after the match against Real that Antony has seized a new opportunity at Betis.
Isco said, "Antony is enjoying football right now. He needed a new environment, and the air that Betis provides is the best air," referring to both Antony's skills and his mental transformation.
Isco explained, "He is working really hard in matches and is dedicated to the team. He made a tremendous contribution in defense against Real Madrid as well. These aspects are a great help to the team."
In fact, coach Manuel Pellegrini is actively utilizing Antony to maximize his abilities. In the team's tactics, he has been given a role that allows him to move freely, enabling much more flexible play than during his time at Manchester United.
Having proven his abilities against Real Madrid, Antony is now becoming a key player for Betis. He has already recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 league matches, quickly adapting and solidifying his position within the team with consistent performance.
Betis is likely considering a long-term partnership with Antony. With the likelihood of his original team, Manchester United, reusing him appearing low, there are predictions that Betis will attempt a permanent transfer. However, the requirements from his original team, Manchester United, are significant.
Spain's 'Football España' reported, "The Antony deal is satisfying for all parties, but the likelihood of a permanent transfer is low. Antony's contract does not include a full purchase option," adding that "Manchester United wants to sell Antony at any time. However, the figure is excessive."
The transfer fee Manchester United paid to acquire Antony was €100 million (around 150 billion won). Football España stated, "Manchester United wants a fee of €50 million (around 74.5 billion won), which is half of what they paid to acquire him," noting that "this fee would be Betis's all-time highest transfer fee."
Until now, Betis's highest transfer fee was €30 million (around 54.5 billion won) paid for Daniuson. The issue is that this transfer occurred in 1998. Football España expressed concerns, stating, "Given Betis's financial difficulties, a permanent transfer will be tough."
Previously, Manchester United struggled to process high transfer fees when players like Jadon Sancho performed well on loan. It remains to be seen whether they will repeat their past mistakes this time.
[OSEN = Lee In-hwan, reporter]