Antony continues to shine against Lyon

At the Benito Villamarín stadium, Real Betis celebrated a spectacular European evening by overcoming Lyon 2-0 on aggregate, securing their place in the 2025/26 Europa League knockout rounds. Antony was the focal point of this triumph, delivering a timely and decisive goal.

Antony took just 87 minutes to prove why he deserves to be the key playmaker under coach Manuel Pellegrini. One goal, one chance created, and 2 out of 4 shots on target; these numbers not only reflect statistics but also demonstrate the Brazilian player’s efficiency and relentless fighting spirit.

Antony’s impact came at a moment when Real Betis was on the rise, having just scored against Lyon five minutes earlier. From a long pass from the backline, Antony cleverly executed a chip shot showcasing his confidence and sharpness. This 'falling leaf' masterpiece stunned both opponents and teammates alike.

Looking deeper into the stats from FotMob, Antony completed 23 passes with an accuracy of 83% (19/23), including one key chance created for teammates. He not only scored but also made significant contributions to the team’s overall play. His 45 touches highlight his role as a crucial link in Betis’s attacks, always ready to receive the ball and apply pressure on the opposing defense.

Even when not in possession, Antony kept Lyon’s defense alert. Two successful defensive actions and intelligent movement helped Betis maintain proper team spacing, ensuring a balanced approach between offense and defense.

Notably, Antony’s expected goals (xG) value reached 0.49, indicating the threat level of each shot he took. Additionally, he had an xG on target (xGOT) of 0.29, meaning his shots were not only from good positions but also forced Lyon’s goalkeeper to make real saves.

Although unsuccessful in dribbling attempts (0/4), this did not diminish Antony’s performance value. On the contrary, it showed his willingness to challenge defenders directly to create space for teammates. Three passes into the opponent’s final third and two touches inside the penalty area prove Antony’s forward drive and risk-taking attitude.

At 25 years old, Antony is entering the prime of his career. If he maintains this form, the Brazilian player could become a key star for Betis for many years ahead, possibly securing a solid spot for the 2026 World Cup.

His goal against Lyon is the clearest confirmation: Antony is not just a fast and skillful winger; he is a player who knows how to shine at the right moment and deliver victories when the team needs it most.

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