Antony Declares 'Best Season' After Matching Kylian Mbappe Record in La Liga
Antony’s remarkable turnaround at Real Betis continued after the Brazilian winger matched a major La Liga statistic set by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe. The former Manchester United player scored again during Betis’ 2-2 draw against Real Sociedad, further underlining his resurgence in Spain.
Antony matched Kylian Mbappe’s La Liga outside-the-box goal record after starring again for Real Betis.
Since arriving in La Liga, Antony has rediscovered the confidence and attacking sharpness that often eluded him during his spell in the Premier League. His opening goal at Anoeta carried additional significance, as it saw him equal Mbappe’s tally for the most goals scored from outside the penalty area in La Liga this season.
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Both players now sit on five long-range league goals, highlighting Antony’s growing influence in Manuel Pellegrini’s side. The Brazilian has become increasingly decisive in attack and appears transformed compared to the inconsistent form that followed him at Old Trafford.
Following the match, Antony spoke proudly about his performances and credited his teammates and coaching staff for helping him rediscover his best form.
"Very happy. That is from a lot of work, as you have said, I have a lot of pride in what I have been doing. I owe much of that to my teammates too, and to the coach who has given me a lot of confidence. We keep moving forward," Antony told DAZN.
Real Betis Move Revives Antony’s Career
After enduring criticism and being labelled a disappointment during his time at Manchester United following his move from Ajax, Antony’s switch to Seville has dramatically changed the trajectory of his career.
At Real Betis, the winger has emerged as one of the team’s most important attacking players rather than the unpredictable figure seen in England. Antony even admitted that the current campaign represents the finest season of his career so far, despite continuing to play through physical discomfort.
"First, happy for the season I am having. It is the best season. I feel very happy, proud," he said.
"I know the sacrifices with which I have been playing. More than 20 games with discomfort, I always say that when I put on this shirt I sacrifice myself. I celebrated with Ruben (Cousillas) because it is his birthday. We have to focus now on Tuesday's game at home to get the three points."
Despite Antony’s latest goal, Betis were unable to secure victory after surrendering a two-goal advantage against Sociedad. The dropped points leave the club only four points ahead of Celta Vigo in the battle for European qualification.
The Brazilian admitted frustration after the final whistle and acknowledged that he missed opportunities to put the game beyond Sociedad before the comeback began.
"I speak for myself. I had two opportunities in the first half that I had to score, because of the importance of this match the draw is not so bad, although it would be better to win. We have to turn the page. Today we leave a bit frustrated, sad, on Tuesday we have another very important game with our people. We are going to fight to win the match," he said.
With only three La Liga matches left this season, Betis remain in a strong position to secure fifth place and qualify for Europe. Two of those remaining fixtures will be played at the Benito Villamarin, beginning with Tuesday’s meeting against Elche.
Antony stressed the importance of quickly recovering mentally from the Sociedad draw and believes the support of the home crowd could prove decisive in the final stretch of the campaign.
"I think before the first goal from Real Sociedad there was already pressure from them. We have to turn the page. We leave very sad, frustrated, but on Tuesday we have a very important match with our people. We have to win. We are four points ahead of Celta. We have three games, two at home. We have to mentally prepare for these games and play well on Tuesday," Antony concluded.
