Jadon Sancho reacts to Antony moment with message to former Man Utd team-mate - The Mirror

Real Betis drew 3-3 with Nottingham Forest in a thrilling Europa League tie on Wednesday night, and Antony secured a point for the Spanish side thanks to a late equaliser

Jadon Sancho was quick to heap praise on former Manchester United team-mate Antony after the Brazilian netted a late equaliser for Real Betis in their Europa League clash with Nottingham Forest. Antony made a triumphant return to Betis following a successful loan stint there last season, sealing a permanent move in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Since his full-time switch to Spain, the Brazilian has featured in both league matches and bagged his first goal against Ange Postecoglou's side on Wednesday night. In the 15th minute, Antony demonstrated his creative prowess by setting up Cedric Bakambu's opening goal.

Despite Igor Jesus putting Forest ahead with two goals within five minutes, Antony emerged as the hero of the night for Manuel Pellegrini's squad. He scored a well-executed equaliser in the 85th minute.

Sancho, who also left the United 'bomb squad' over the summer, was among those excluded from Ruben Amorim's team and had to train separately from the main squad alongside Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. The winger joined fellow Premier League side Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.

On social media, Sancho captured Antony's late equaliser against Forest and posted: "Hermano! *fire emoji* *clapping hands emoji". 'Hermano' is Spanish for brother.

Antony has since replied to the message. Reposting Sancho's response, he added in a caption reading "High foot", along with eyes, and laughing and red heart emoji, he also tagged both Sancho and Tyrell Malacia.

Antony's European exploits for Betis follow his instrumental role in guiding them to the Conference League final last season. He netted four times and provided three assists before falling at the final hurdle to Sancho's Chelsea.

Betis made a concerted effort to sign Antony during the summer transfer window, with the deal appearing to be off at one stage. A potential move to Saudi Arabia was rumoured, but it was consistently reported that Betis was his preferred choice.

His start with the Spanish side since completing a permanent move has been slow with no goal contributions in his first two La Liga games. Antony will hope that the equaliser against Forest will now kickstart his season.

Real Betis are back in action on Sunday when they take on Osasuna in La Liga (8pm kick-off).

They are next in European action on Thursday, 2 October when they travel to take on Ludogorets (5.45pm kick-off).

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