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Real Betis took on Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona on May 4, in match-week 34 of LaLiga and came out with a hard-fought 2-1 victory, away from home. After taking 20 total shots and forcing some brilliant saves from Espanyol goal-keeper Joan Garcia, Betis finally reaped the benefits of their efforts with two late goals to seal the win. Antony, who is on loan from Manchester United, scored an absolute screamer in the 90+1-minute to complete a late comeback for his team and take home all three points.
The win is extremely crucial for Betis as they are currently battling to finish in the UCL qualification spots in the league table. Five teams from LaLiga will be playing in the Champions League next season, and Betis are currently in sixth place, only one point behind fifth placed Villareal. The win serves as a step in the right direction as there are only four games remaining in the current campaign and Betis will go all out to finish in the top 5.
Antony takes his G/A tally to 11 since arriving on loan from Manchester United
The goal was extremely special for Antony on a personal level as well because it took his G/A tally to 11 in 20 games since arriving at the club on loan. He has been performing brilliantly under Manuel Pellegrini and this was the second instance of the week when Antony scored a winning goal to secure victory for his team. He did the same in Betis’ semi-final match against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference league. His good string of performances has pushed Real Betis to consider keeping him at the club for more than the current season, with a possible loan deal on the cards.
Antony is not the only Manchester United loanee who has been performing well. Marcus Rashford has also been in fine form for Aston Villa, playing under Unai Emery. Both of these players will be returning to Old Trafford at the end of their current loan deals and United manager Ruben Amorim will have to make a decision about the future soon.
