FANS have hailed Antony’s “aura” after Real Betis dented Real Madrid’s title hopes.
The LaLiga hopefuls were beaten 2-1 at the Benito Villamarin and missed out on the chance to go top of the table.
Antony, 25, played the full 90 minutes for Betis as he continued his impressive run of form.
The Manchester United winger did not score or assist but proved to be a constant thorn in the visitors’ side.
Brahim Diaz did fire Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the lead in the tenth minute.
However, Antony’s team-mates Johnny Cardoso and former Real star Isco turned the match on its head.
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Cardoso scored the equaliser before Isco converted from the spot after Antonio Rudiger brought down Jesus Rodriguez in the box.
But fans on social media are convinced that the result was down to the “aura” of Antony.
One posted: “Antony’s aura is enough for a victory.”
A second commented: “Antony’s impact is strong.”
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A third wrote: “Antony aura it is.”
A fourth said: “Hail Lord Antony.”
Another added: “Let’s all laugh at United for loaning out Antony.”
The result leaves Real tied on 54 points with leaders Barcelona but the Catalonians have a crucial game in hand.
Antony joined Betis on loan until the end of the season from the Red Devils.
He has already made a good impression in Spain with two goals and two assists in his first five outings in LaLiga.
His appearance against Getafe was cut short after he was sent off.
But the suspension was then overturned – allowing him to play against Real.
Old Trafford bosses will be hoping his good form continues so he can be sold for a hefty fee in the summer.
Antony has admitted that he has regained his “confidence” since moving to Spain.
He has also insisted playing under Betis boss and former Man City and West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has helped him.
He told Estadio Deportivo: “The most important thing to regain my confidence was to reconnect with myself.
“I found myself here and that’s why I’m very happy at Betis. Every day I feel more secure.
“Pellegrini is very important to me. Before signing with Betis, I spoke with him, and he gave me a lot of confidence.
“His experience and history give me energy every day to do well.
“When I made the decision to come here, it was to find myself again, as I mentioned before.
“There is always pressure, but the greatest pressure I felt was when I was living in the poor neighbourhoods of Brazil, thinking about my family and everything.”
The club forked out an eye-watering £85.5million on the Brazilian back in the summer of 2023.
Manager Ruben Amorim has been asked about the winger’s upturn in form since leaving Manchester.
The Portuguese coach has insisted the different physicality level in Spain has helped Antony to shine.
He told TNT Sports: “When you play against any team in England, the physicality is there.
“If you don’t have physicality, you will struggle a lot.
“Antony is so much better now in Spain. It’s [because of] a lot of factors but I guarantee you it’s physicality.”
The former Ajax man has also revealed that he is “happy” in Betis but has remained coy on his future.
Antony has been tipped to make a permanent exit from Old Trafford in the summer, but he is remaining tight-lipped on his future.
He said: “I’m very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in the future.
“I always say that I enjoy every day with the club, the city and everything that surrounds me, and I give my best for the team.
“It’s still too early to talk about my future.
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“I know how much money they paid for me.
“I worked and continue to work hard to perform at the highest level, but I don’t focus on transfer prices, neither mine nor any other player’s.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
