Anthony produced one of the standout moments of the La Liga season on Sunday when he scored the opening goal with a stunning bicycle kick in the Andalusia derby between Real Betis and Sevilla FC.
Just 16 minutes into the first half at La Cartuja, the Brazilian winger was one of the quickest to react inside the penalty area, finishing with an acrobatic finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The goal gave Manuel Pellegrini’s side a 1-0 lead and immediately turned the tide in one of Spain’s fiercest rivalries.
The play unfolded down the left side, with Abdeh driving towards the end line and sending the ball into the box. Cucho Hernandez’s shot was deflected by defender Carmona, and the ball bounced into Anthony’s eyes. Without hesitation, he delivered a bicycle kick, connected neatly and sent the ball into the net. He turned a play with poor technique, timing, and awareness into a highlight-reel goal.
A special moment for Anthony
For Anthony, the moment had additional meaning. He missed the first derby of the season after being sent off late in the game against Villarreal, and was reviewed by VAR when he attempted a similar overhead shot that hit an opponent.
He apologized to the supporters and left the match, clearly annoyed. He was recently caught on camera crying as he had to be consoled on the field after missing a crucial chance in the draw against Rayo Vallecano. This time the reaction was completely different.
After scoring, Anthony pointed twice to his chest and tapped the grass with his fingers, his joy reflecting both relief and confidence. Earlier this week, he spoke candidly about the importance of the derby and his desire to make an impact, saying he envisioned himself winning and scoring. Sunday, that vision became a reality.
Derby with dramatic moments
Real Betis and Sevilla FC ended in a 2-2 draw in a derby that saw a dramatic turn from one team to the other, with both clubs having mixed feelings at the end. For much of the afternoon, it looked as if Betis were on track to make history. Manuel Pellegrini’s side looked set to become the first in the club’s history to win their third successive derby, going into half-time with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Anthony and Alvaro Fidalgo.
This result has a significant impact on the ranking. Real Betis currently sit two points out of the top four and, although their Champions League hopes remain, the more realistic path seems to be to remain fifth, with them potentially still able to secure a place depending on European quotas. They maintain a six-point difference with Celta, who they will face in the second half of the match.
For Sevilla, the point gives them some breathing room in the relegation battle. They moved one more point out of the drop zone and now hold a six-point cushion. More importantly, a comeback in a hostile environment provides a psychological boost that could be important in the final weeks of the season.
