Real Betis edged out Fiorentina 2-1 in a thrilling Conference League semi-final first leg on Thursday.
Antony, who is enjoying a fruitful spell on loan at Betis from Manchester United, put Manuel Pellegrini’s side 2-0 up with a stunning volley in the second half.
And despite a late flurry from Fiorentina following Luca Ranieri’s 72nd-minute goal, Antony’s effort proved decisive.
Abdessamad Ezzalzouli put ahead after six minutes, finishing off the bar after excellent work from Cedric Bakambu, who registered an eighth goal contribution in his last six Conference League matches.
Former Real Madrid playmaker Isco was at the heart of everything good for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, having graced far grander stages on his way to winning five Champions League titles.
Manchester United loanee Antony then doubled Betis’ lead emphatically in the 64th minute, thrashing a loose ball past David De Gea into the top left corner to score his third goal in the competition since arriving in January.
His right-footed volley from the edge of the box came with an expected goals figure of just 0.04.
But with Betis seemingly in the driving seat, it was the visitors who pulled one back less than 10 minutes later, as a mistake from Aitor Ruibal allowed Robin Gosens to find Luca Ranieri, who finished first time.
Gosens went agonisingly close to equalising for Fiorentina, the German glancing header narrowly wide of the post from a corner late on, but the Italian side could not find parity and will have to overturn a narrow deficit in Florence next week if they are to reach the final and avenge their 2023 defeat to West Ham in Prague.
Data Debrief: Antony’s rebirth continues
Antony is enjoying life in Seville, registering 11 goal contributions in 20 games in all competitions (seven goals, four assists), and showing the kind of form that made United spend big on him in the first place.
Betis were good value for their goals, with an overall xG of 2.0 compared to Fiorentina’s 1.05. They have now scored in each of their last five Conference League games, netting 11 goals in that run.
As for Fiorentina, their seven shots on Thursday is the lowest total they have managed in the competition this season. The 2023 runners-up will need to find their shooting boots at home next week if they are to turn the tide.
