Antony Is Dreaming of Derby Glory — Groin Pain and All
Antony missed the first Seville derby this season but is fully focused on Sunday's clash at the Villamarín — and he's already imagining scoring.
Antony missed the first Seville derby of the season through suspension and he is absolutely gagging to make up for lost time on Sunday. The Brazilian winger has been speaking to Betis TV ahead of the Villamarín showdown, and he’s not hiding how much this one means to him.
Making Up for Missing the First One
Antony was banned for the away fixture at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán earlier this season, so he’s had to wait for his first taste of the derby in 2024/25. He did experience the magic of beating Sevilla last campaign at home, so he knows what’s at stake — and what it feels like when it goes right.
He made a point of saying he still travelled with the squad to the Pizjuán even while suspended, which tells you something about the bloke’s character. Now it’s his turn to actually play, and he’s well up for it.
Playing Through the Pain
Here’s the thing — Antony has been carrying a groin and adductor problem for a while now, and it’s not nothing. He admitted he feels significant pain from the moment a match kicks off. But in proper footballer fashion, he’s not using it as an excuse.
He even revealed that Pellegrini has a little running joke with him: that he tends to score more when he’s carrying a knock than when he’s fully fit. Typical.
The Derby Mindset
Antony was refreshingly honest about the emotional side of derby football:
- He says the week before the game already feels different — the tension builds from Monday
- He acknowledged you have to keep your head when the tackles fly in, because derbies can get feisty
- He was clear that his job is to get on the ball, run at people, and do what he does — not get dragged into the rough stuff
Emotional control, he reckons, is as important as anything tactical.
He’s Allowed Himself One Little Dream
When asked what he’s hoping for on Sunday, Antony was careful not to get too carried away — but he did let himself go just a little bit. “I imagine we win, I imagine I score a goal” — and honestly, given the occasion, who can blame him for that mental image?
He was quick to balance it with the usual “I need to stay calm and focused” chat, but the ambition is clearly there.
Why It Matters Beyond the Bragging Rights
This isn’t just about local pride. Betis are in the mix near the top of the table, and three points against Sevilla on home turf would be massive for their season. After dropping points against Rayo Vallecano last time out, they need a response — and there’s no bigger stage to deliver it on.
The Betis faithful are going to be absolutely rocking at the Villamarín. If Antony can stay fit, stay sharp, and stay disciplined — this could be his day.