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Antony continues to rebuild his reputation following his Manchester United exit. The Spanish press had high praise for his latest display against Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, with it even being labelled as a skipper's performance minus only the armband.

The Brazilian rescued a crucial point for Real Betis against Ange Postecoglou's Forest in Europe. The Premier League side held a 2-1 advantage at the break despite conceding early on, and appeared destined to claim three points in their first game of the league phase.

However, Antony emerged at the far post during the 85th minute and saved Manuel Pellegrini's side from embarrassment on home soil. Spanish outlets celebrated the 25-year-old's wing play, as he earned widespread praise for securing a dramatic late equaliser.

Betis Web praised Antony for refusing to "give up in a match against some real beasts." Accompanying their 7/10 rating, they even tipped him for a future captaincy role as they said: "He didn't care [who he was facing]; his courage and attitude kept the team going. Today he was the captain without the armband."

Marca admitted that Betis ultimately deserved the draw against Forest, with Antony's strike providing a crucial late reward against "one of the most powerful rivals they will face."

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Meanwhile, Estadio Deportivo hailed the winger as the hero of Betis' encounter that proved a "rollercoaster of emotions and chances."

This local reaction demonstrates the Brazilian's commitment to rediscovering his best form since departing United. The £80million star lost his place at Old Trafford following his arrival from Ajax in 2022, but has undoubtedly re-established himself in Spain.

Antony secured a permanent switch to Betis in a deal worth £19m, following a successful loan spell last season. After the match, the winger confessed that recent months had been exhausting but expressed satisfaction with the match outcome.

He said: "Tired. The last three months have been very difficult for me. I've been training with the team for two weeks now, and it's still a bit difficult, but here at home, with our fans, we wanted the three points.

"We have to move on; we have another game on Sunday." Team-mate Pablo Fornals echoed the Spanish press's sentiments, insisting that Antony will rediscover his peak form with Betis.

He said: "In almost every interview, the question is the same; if it's not about him, it's about Isco. They're very important players.

"He has a balance that any of us who've played on the wing would love. It's important that he's fit, that he gradually gets back to the rhythm he had last year. Today, yet another day, he's shone again."

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