Antony scores superb winner in Real Betis’ victory over Fiorentina – as club legend jokes he will KIDNAP the £86m Man United flop to stop him returning to Old Trafford

• Antony scored a sensational half-volley to give Real Betis victory over Fiorentina 
• That helped his side to a 2-1 win in their Europa Conference League semi-final  
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Ian Ladyman reveals his pick for best goalkeeper this season – and it’s NOT Alisson Becker 

By ZAC CAMPBELL

Antony scored a sensational half-volley to give Real Betis victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. 

After picking up the ball outside the 18-yard box, he failed to get a long-range effort away on his favoured left foot. 

However, he showed rapid reactions and excellent precision to smash the ball into the top corner with his right foot on a follow-up half-volley. 

It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been a fruitful loan spell for the Brazilian since he left Manchester United in January. 

That helped his side to a 2-1 win over competition veterans Fiorentina, who have reached the Europa Conference League final in each of the past two seasons. 

Whether he stays in Seville beyond the end of this season is yet to be clear but there have been clamours from team-mates for him to remain in Spain.

Antony scored a sensational half-volley to give Real Betis victory over Fiorentina on Thursday

It marked his 10th goal contribution for the LaLiga outfit in what has been a fruitful loan spell

Retired Real Betis legend Joaquin joked he will kidnap Antony to keep him at the Spanish club

Speaking after Betis’ victory, Antony’s team-mate Joaquin said: ‘I’ll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. 

‘This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come, and we’ll see later.’ 

It comes as his parent club enjoyed a memorable night of their own, with Manchester United running out 3-0 winners against Betis’ LaLiga rivals Athletic Bilbao. 

In a hostile atmosphere at San Mames, the home side made their task more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men on 35 minutes, shortly after Casemiro had opened the scoring for the visitors.

Dani Vivian was sent off for a foul on Rasmus Hojlund inside the penalty area, with the spot-kick duly converted by Bruno Fernandes – who added a third on the stroke of half time to put Ruben Amorim’s side in control.

As a result, United have boosted their chances of salvaging something from their miserable season lie in the Europa League, which could also grant qualification for the Champions League and a much-needed cash injection.

The Red Devils earned a late draw against ten-man Bournemouth on Sunday which saw them inch closer to 40 points. 

The lacklustre tally represents the club’s lowest at this stage of a Premier League season in their history.

:
Antony scores superb winner in Real Betis’ victory over Fiorentina – as club legend jokes he will KIDNAP the £86m Man United flop to stop him returning to Old Trafford

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk