Antony delivered one of the standout moments of the La Liga season on Sunday, opening the scoring in the Andalusian derby between Real Betis and Sevilla FC with a stunning bicycle kick.
Just 16 minutes into the first half at La Cartuja, the Brazilian winger reacted quickest inside the penalty area and executed an acrobatic finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal gave Manuel Pellegrini‘s side a 1-0 lead and immediately shifted the momentum in one of Spain‘s most intense rivalries.
The play developed down the left flank, where Abde drove toward the end line before sending the ball into the box. A shot from Cucho Hernández deflected off defender Carmona, and the loose ball popped up invitingly in front of Antony. Without hesitation, he launched into a bicycle kick, connecting cleanly and sending the ball into the net. The technique, timing and awareness turned a broken play into a highlight-reel goal.
A special moment for Antony
For Antony, the moment carried added meaning. He had missed the first derby of the season after being sent off late in a match against Villarreal, an incident that was reviewed by VAR when he attempted a similar overhead effort that struck an opponent.
He left that match apologizing to supporters, visibly frustrated. More recently, cameras caught him in tears after missing a clear chance in a draw against Rayo Vallecano, needing to be consoled on the field. This time, the reaction was entirely different.
After scoring, Antony pointed to his chest twice and tapped the grass with his finger, a celebration that reflected both relief and confidence. Earlier in the week, he had spoken openly about the importance of the derby and his desire to make an impact, saying he imagined himself winning and scoring. On Sunday, that vision became reality.
A derby that had dramatic moments
Real Betis and Sevilla FC played to a 2-2 draw in a derby that swung dramatically from one side to the other and ultimately left both clubs with mixed emotions. For much of the afternoon, it appeared Betis was on track to make history. Manuel Pellegrini’s team entered halftime with a 2-0 lead, fueled by goals from Antony and Álvaro Fidalgo, and looked poised to claim three consecutive derby victories for the first time in club history.
The result carries significant implications in the standings. Betis now sit two points further from the top four, and while their Champions League hopes remain alive, the more realistic path appears to be holding onto fifth place, which could still secure qualification depending on European allocations. They remain six points ahead of Celta, who play later in the matchday.
For Sevilla, the point provides breathing room in the relegation battle. They move one point further from the drop zone and now hold a six-point cushion. More importantly, the comeback in a hostile environment delivers a psychological lift that could prove vital in the closing weeks of the season.
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