La Liga: The Case for Antony as Betis Dream Big

Real Betis vs Osasuna

It was during a discussion with a friend last weekend that the name of Antony Matheus dos Santos cropped up. During the conversation, my friend extoled the footballing virtues of the Brazilian winger and felt that he had far more to offer in La Liga than he had shown in his final few months in the Premier League.

I say final few months, because this SBOTOP writer would not be surprised if he returns there one day, but the smart money is currently on the 25-year-old remaining in Spain next season. That is because he has shone, intermittently, in La Liga since departing Manchester United on loan for Real Betis in January.

This weekend, he gets the chance to do so again as sixth place Betis host Osasuna with Champions League qualification firmly on their mind.

 

Talking Points

At the heart of their progress, and recent La Liga 2025 highlights, is the aforementioned player. While realising he only showed in England very sporadic glimpses of his talent, my friend has been impressed since he was present at Old Trafford to watch his United debut two and a half years ago.

When United agreed to allow him to move on loan in January, Betis were largely struggling. Now, with less than a month to go, they are in the thick of the fight for a Champions League spot, and have reached the final of the Europa Conference following an exciting semi-final with Fiorentina on Thursday night.

Last Sunday, they travelled to Espanyol to take on a Los Pericos side who were unbeaten at home since October.

After Espanyol took a first half lead through Roberto Fernandez, Betis threw all they had at them in the second half, and Giovani Lo Celso drew them level with an incredible solo effort from close to the halfway line.

As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute, Antony continued his incredible redemption arc, whipping the ball into the postage stamp for an exhilarating comeback win.

They remain just one point off Villarreal in fifth spot, the all-important position spot that will secure Champions League football next term.

Managed by the astute Chilean, Manuel Pellegrini, and led by the irrepressible Isco, who has a habit of influencing the big occasion, Betis know they need to keep on winning to apply the pressure on the “Yellow Submarine.”

Those chaotic final five minutes on Sunday night and confidence booster in Italy on Thursday may have just given them the incentive they need as they welcome opponents who have an outside chance of Europe themselves but were well beaten by Villarreal themselves last time out.

As for Antony, it’s reported that United will prioritise a sale first and foremost but if no offers meet their demands, they may prioritise a fresh loan with Betis. The player is expected to do the same, with his happiness, his relationship with the fans, and his desire to return to the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup important factors in his decision.

 

History

It was during the war years that these sides first locked horns. Then, in November 1935 in the Spanish top-flight, Betis ran out 5-1 home winners, led by a hat-trick from Paquirri, although Osasuna well and truly turned the tables later in the season with a 6-0 home win of their own, helped by braces from Catchus and Bienzobas.

Betis won this corresponding fixture 2-1 last season when Isco grabbed a last-minute winner, a scoreline they repeated at Osasuna earlier this term when Chimy Avila netted the winner after Vítor Roque and Lucas Torró traded goals.

Overall, Betis have 41 victories in all competitions to Osasuna’s 25 triumphs and 13 draws.

Their most famous meeting came in the 2005 Copa del Rey Final, a showpiece won 2-1 by Betis after extra-time with Dani grabbing the all-important winner following goals from Ricardo Oliveira and John Aloisi.

 

Betting Tip

The La Liga 2025 betting odds go big on the hosts, and it is little wonder given the form and confidence they must have right now. You can back Pellegrini’s men 1X2 @ 1.64 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.16, while Osasuna are priced 1X2 @ 4.69 and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.35.

A third successive 2-1 Betis victory will pay out @ 7.30 with Correct Score, while the draw is up for grabs @ 3.60.

I just think Betis have got the bit between their teeth right now, and that will be evident with a home win.

   

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