Real Betis – Athletic Club: Bienvenido Anthony (2-2)
In his inaugural game with Real Betis, Anthony displayed an aspiring performance to initiate his loan spell coming from Manchester United. Isco scoring from a rebound, and Perraud lashing a screamer home would secure the win should Manuel Pellegrini's team be solid in defensive set-pieces. Nevertheless, two corners were enough for Ernesto Valverde's men to return to Bilbao with a point in the pocket.
Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.
In recent years, Real Betis stood as one of the clubs in Europe to help players who are in decline to reignite the flame of their professional careers. Former Real Madrid player Isco is the prime example, as the latter’s career knew a meltdown after his contract was terminated in December 2022 with Sevilla after disagreements with the club. Isco went through a hibernation mode until Real Betis came and signed him as a free agent in 2023. Since stepping into the club’s door, Real Betis and Isco worked together to revive him again. In return, Isco was up to the challenge, displaying standout performances for his team.
Anthony is another similar case to Isco. The Brazilian hit rock bottom with Manchester United as he didn’t meet the Red Devils’ expectations since he landed in England from Ajax Amsterdam. Real Betis stepped up once again, sealing the deal with Manchester United over a loan transfer to lend a helping hand to Anthony in the hope of resuscitating his career.
Athletic Club lives the dream with the manager, Ernesto Valverde. The Basque Club finished the Europa League group stages with 19 points, joint with Lazio, enabling them . . .
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