Antony’s Fearless Claim Ahead of Real Madrid Showdown: “I Could Score a Hat Trick, But One Player Scares Me”
As anticipation builds for the La Liga clash between Real Betis and Real Madrid, Brazilian winger Antony has made headlines with his bold pre-match comments.
The former Manchester United forward, now making waves at Real Betis, confidently stated, “I’m not afraid of Real Madrid. In fact, given their recent form, I could score a hat trick against them today.” However, he also made a surprising admission—while he is unfazed by the team as a whole, there is one Real Madrid player he finds intimidating. Interestingly, he chose not to reveal the identity of this mystery player, leaving fans and analysts speculating.
Antony’s football journey has been filled with ups and downs. After securing a high-profile transfer to Manchester United in 2022, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent performer in the Premier League.
A lack of form and confidence eventually led to his temporary exit, with a January 2025 loan move to Real Betis offering him a fresh start. Since arriving in Seville, he has been rediscovering his best form, contributing two goals in four La Liga matches and proving to be a crucial part of Betis’ attacking setup.
His participation in the Real Madrid clash was initially in doubt due to a red card received in Betis’ 2-1 victory over Getafe. However, the decision was successfully appealed, allowing him to play—a ruling that sparked controversy. Reports indicate that some within the Madrid camp were outraged, allegedly calling the decision “shameful.” With this added tension, the upcoming showdown has gained even more attention.
Beyond the appeal drama, Antony’s comments about Madrid’s recent inconsistencies have added extra spice to the encounter. His remarks suggest that Betis may have identified weaknesses in Carlo Ancelotti’s side and could look to exploit them. However, underestimating Real Madrid has often proven to be a costly mistake, and Los Blancos will be eager to silence their critics with a dominant performance.
One of the biggest talking points remains Antony’s fear of a particular Madrid player. Speculation has been rife over who it could be. Some believe it might be Luka Modrić, whose exceptional vision and control of the game could pose a serious challenge. Others think it could be Antonio Rüdiger, renowned for his aggressive and tenacious defending. Whoever the player may be, Antony’s comments have only heightened anticipation for the match.
With kickoff at Benito Villamarín Stadium fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Brazilian winger. Can he back up his words with an impressive display, or will Madrid shut him down? And most importantly, who is the Real Madrid player that Antony is so wary of? These questions will soon be answered in what promises to be an electrifying contest.
