Antony’s Ideal Response to Brazil Team Omission, Followed by an Assist for Real Betis
Antony responded in the best way possible after being left out of Brazil’s latest squad announcement—by assisting a goal for Real Betis just hours later.
The Manchester United loanee set up Isco’s header, directing it towards center-forward Cédric Bakambu, who slotted it in from close range. This goal gave Betis the lead in the second half of the first leg of their Conference League Round of 16 clash against Vitória Guimarães.
However, their lead lasted barely three minutes, as their Portuguese visitors equalized with a brilliant goal from Mendes. But with just 15 minutes left in the match, Betis regained the lead when Isco finished off a well-executed team move.
Once again, though, the advantage was short-lived. Six minutes later, Nelson Oliveira found the net. The former striker of Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Swansea City, and Reading capitalized on a move that began from Vitória’s free-kick. Antony, who had committed a foul at the halfway line, received a yellow card in the process.
Despite the draw, Antony has continued his impressive form since arriving in Seville. The winger has now contributed three goals and three assists in eight matches across all competitions.
However, this form wasn’t enough for an international recall. Brazil’s new manager, Dorival Júnior, opted not to include Antony for the first time in two years. Instead, he recalled Neymar, who is making a comeback after a 17-month injury absence.
The other forwards in Brazil’s squad include Estevão Willian, João Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Savinho, and Vinícius Júnior. Additionally, Evanilson, Pedro, Pepê, and Richarlison have all been preferred over Antony in recent call-ups.
Before signing for Manchester United, Antony was a regular for Brazil. However, since featuring in the 2022 World Cup, he has earned just one more cap. His last appearance for the national team was as a substitute in a friendly against Morocco in March 2023—his 22nd game for Brazil, where he has scored two international goals.
While Betis ended up drawing with Vitória in the Conference League, Manchester United also shared the spoils in their Europa League clash against Real Sociedad, finishing 1-1.
Rúben Amorim’s side had taken the lead in the second half when Joshua Zirkzee converted a cross from Alejandro Garnacho. However, in the dying moments, VAR awarded a penalty to the home team for a handball by Bruno Fernandes inside the box. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and made no mistake, bringing the tie level ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford on March 13.