Manchester United have one foot in the Europa League final and Real Betis have followed suit in the Europa Conference League.
Thursday night saw Manchester United produce one of the finest performances of the Ruben Amorim era.
United beat Athletic Club 3-0 away from home, with Casemiro opening the scoring before Bruno Fernandes added a brace.
Athletic going down to 10 men at 1-0 down certainly helped, but United didn’t give them a sniff from that point on.
As United took a huge step towards the Europa League final, Real Betis make similar strides in the Europa Conference League.
Antony’s Betis side beat David De Gea’s Fiorentina 2-1 at home, leaving them in the box seat to face Chelsea in the final.
Spanish media praise latest Antony display
Abde Ezzalzouli’s opener put Betis in front, before Antony smashed home a stunning volley.
Luca Ranieri pulled one back for Fiorentina, but Betis will head to Italy with a one-goal lead.
Antony’s screamer proved to be the winner and leaves Betis in the box seat for a final clash with Chelsea.
The Spanish media have been dazzled by Antony since his January arrival, and Thursday brought more of the same.
Antony was hailed as ‘unstoppable’ against Fiorentina, with the Spanish press suggesting that his brilliant goal summed up ‘why he’s worth so much money’.
Here are some of the best reactions from the Spanish media as United loanee Antony found the net yet again.
“He started playfully, constantly challenging his opponent one-on-one. However, he lacked the accuracy in the closing stages that captivates Betis fans and makes him a crucial player for Betis. After several shots had crashed into the Italian defenders, he blasted a right-footed shot into De Gea’s top corner. That’s why he’s worth so much money,” said El Pespunte.
“When he had space to run and look forward, he emerged victorious, although sometimes he lacked a bit of accuracy in his decision-making. However, when the team needed him most, he showed up. And how. What a goal,” wrote El Desmarque.
“Unstoppable. He remains determined to make history with Real Betis. He set out to repay the club for all the affection he received from day one, and that’s what the Brazilian is doing. He produced a masterpiece with his less skilled foot — if either of them aren’t — to score the second goal. A rocket with his right foot to knock De Gea into the net and unleash euphoria at the Villamarín. Blessed be the day he came to Betis,” added Estadio Deportivo.
Joaquin on Antony future
Antony has made a huge impact in Spain, turning in performances we just didn’t see for United.
Real Betis want to keep Antony, but the finances of a deal could be tricky.
It’s also worth pointing out that Atletico Madrid are eyeing Antony for a potential £40million move this summer.
Real Betis legend Joaquin has now been quoted by Marca as saying that he wants Antony to stay ‘no matter what’.
Joaquin even joked about playing a role in kidnapping Antony if that’s what it takes to keep him in Andalusia.
“I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what,” said Joaquin.
United’s decision to loan Antony out is really paying off, with the winger producing magic on a regular basis for Betis.
That may well spark more interest ahead of the summer, with United surely hoping to sell Antony rather than bring him back into the fold.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
