Real Betis star winter signing unafraid of Barcelona challenge – ‘Not impossible to beat’ | OneFootball

Barcelona are busy preparing for the midweek clash against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey, especially after they managed only a 4-4 draw against the Colchoneros in the first leg of the semi-final tie.

Immediately after the decisive second leg, however, Barcelona must instantly return to action against Real Betis in La Liga next weekend.

They may be the favourites given their run of form and Isco Alcaron’s suspension, but it is clear that Manuel Pellegrini’s men are anything but a pushover.

Antony’s verdict

Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s clash against Barcelona, Real Betis forward Antony commented on the big game ahead and rated his team’s chances of winning.

“We know that they have a lot of quality, but we already beat Madrid and it is not impossible to beat Barça,” he said in complete optimism over his team’s chances.

Antony’s comments, needless to say, carry serious weight to them, especially given the rich run of form Real Betis have been on in recent weeks.

Antony has been very good for Real Betis. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

After their defeat to Gent in the UEFA Conference League in February, Los Verdiblancos are unbeaten and are one of Spain’s most in-form teams.

They have won six of their last seven games across all competitions and are on a run of six straight wins in La Liga heading into the clash against the league leaders.

Antony’s stunning start to life in Spain is one of the several factors that have fallen in place to take Real Betis on the run that they are enjoying, for the Brazilian has taken La Liga by storm.

In just eight league appearances since January, Antony has racked up two goals and two assists for Los Verdiblancos and has a further four goal contributions in as many UEFA Conference League appearances.

The game against Barcelona, thus, will be an important one for all parties involved and one can expect a hard-fought duel between two of Spain’s most in-form teams.

Source: Mundo Deportivo