Antony or how footballers reunite at Pellegrini's Betis

"I've found my true self at Betis and I'm very happy ," Antony told Movistar+ after the Betis' 2-1 victory over Espanyol thanks to his stoppage-time goal. The Brazilian has rediscovered his best form in Seville, just as Isco Alarcón did . Much to his delight, and that of Manuel Pellegrini.

Antony had become one of Manchester United's most expensive signings ever after paying Ajax €95 million. But he was far from his best and was playing poorly in the cold United Kingdom . He had only played eight games this season until he switched teams in January.

The signing was a complete hoax, because even just covering part of Antony's salary is a feat of financial engineering for a club like Betis. "My heart told me I'd be happy here; I was certain of that," the Brazilian explained when he realized his decision had been the right one. He and the club have been romantically involved since his arrival.

Betis was going through one of its worst stretches since Pellegrini's arrival. The new signings weren't fitting in, except for Lo Celso and Diego Llorente . The Argentine's goals saved the team in the first half of the season, and despite everything, they were still close to the European spots. But everything was about to change.

Isco's return

"This is a club that humanizes the footballer," said Héctor Bellerín a year ago upon his return. "I wish I had come to Betis a couple of years earlier to enjoy this wonderful club more," asserted Isco, perhaps the most talented player ever to wear the green and white shirt. Another who has rediscovered his best football.

Isco's recovery, having been sidelined for the entire first half of the season , combined with the signing of Antony to form one of La Liga's most powerful duos. Their connection has been complete since the Brazilian's arrival, and this explains the club's strong run .

The dream of the Conference

Both players are looking to make history. Betis remains one point behind Villarreal, who are in fifth place this year, which grants them access to the Champions League , a competition they have only competed in once, in the 2005/06 season.

Betis, however, has other concerns on its mind . On Thursday, it plays the second leg of its Conference League semi-final against Fiorentina in Florence (2-1 in the first leg). A win would mark its first ever European final . The title would further cement Antony's name. He dreams of staying, and the club wants him to. It remains to be seen whether the romance will turn into marriage.