VIDEO: Antony leads wild Real Betis celebrations after starring in comeback derby victory over Sevilla - but manager Manuel Pellegrini demands more from Man Utd loanee

After a turbulent spell at Manchester United, Brazilian winger Antony appears to have rediscovered his form in La Liga with Betis. Since arriving on loan, the 25-year-old has made a significant impact, scoring four goals and providing four assists in just 12 matches. His revival continued on Sunday night as he played a crucial role in Betis’ 2-1 comeback victory over Sevilla, ensuring his side emerged victorious in the fiercely contested Seville derby.

Following the final whistle, as Betis supporters stayed behind at the Estadio Benito Villamarin to celebrate their team’s sixth consecutive La Liga victory, Antony took center stage in the festivities. The winger, visibly energized by the win, waved the club’s flag enthusiastically, having removed his shirt in the midst of the celebrations. The former Ajax star further embraced the moment when goalkeeper Adrian, who joined Betis on a free transfer last summer after leaving Liverpool, lifted him into the air in front of the euphoric crowd. Antony’s passionate reaction to the win underlined how much the club's supporters have already welcomed him into their ranks.

While Antony's performances have earned praise, Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini insists that there is still room for growth and urged him to reach even greater heights.

He told reporters: “I'm very happy for him, because he has a lot of potential and was going through a rough patch. The way we're playing is really good for him. He needs to improve because he can be more influential.”

Despite Antony’s resurgence in Spain, his long-term future remains uncertain. Manchester United still hold his contract until 2027, meaning they will have to decide whether to integrate him back into the squad, extend his loan, or seek a permanent transfer. A key obstacle for Betis is the financial aspect—they currently cover a portion of Antony’s £105,000-a-week wages, but a permanent deal would require significantly more resources. However, Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has acknowledged that securing a Champions League spot could be pivotal in determining whether the club can afford to sign Antony on a permanent basis.