Antony was a key figure in Real Betis’ crucial victory, drawing a straight red card for Elche’s Pedro and helping his side secure the three points needed to clinch a Champions League spot. The Brazilian winger, who is pushing for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad, spoke to the club’s media after the match about the team’s achievement.
“I’m obviously very happy to have won the match. We all knew how important this game was, and what it meant to take three points at home. Celta had lost, so it was all down to us. This team deserves the Champions League, the fans deserve it, and every single person here and all the staff deserve it. Tonight we’re going to enjoy it, because we earned it,” Antony said.
Reflecting on his mindset at halftime, he added: “When I saw Celta had lost, I sat quietly for a while, talked to myself, and talked to God. I told myself I wasn’t leaving here without a win today. Thank God we got those three points, and those three points got us into the Champions League. After so many years, Betis is back in the Champions League, and I’m really happy to be a part of this team. Now I need to rest a little because I’m really exhausted.”
Discussing the fulfillment of their goal, Antony expressed: “This was the target for all of us. We had been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and the initiative was always in our hands. It didn’t matter whether Celta lost or won—the key was always with us. Now we’ve done it. I’m very happy to be part of this team, part of this club that I love deeply. So I never dared to stop running, because I knew we had to win. Being part of this team is a source of pride for me.”