Antony and De Gea - the historic confrontation

Antony helped Real Betis reach the semi-finals of the European Cup for the first time.

The pair played together at Old Trafford in 2022/23, but will be on opposite sides of the pitch, determined to take their teams to the final in Wroclaw, Poland on May 29.

Who does history call?

Real Betis booked their place in the semi-finals after drawing 1-1 with Jagiellonia Białystok (3-1 on aggregate) in the second leg of their quarter-final in Poland.

This is the first time in history that the Andalusian team has reached the semi-finals of a European Cup tournament, marking an important milestone for Betis under the leadership of coach Manuel Pellegrini.

Fiorentina, meanwhile, also endured a difficult second leg of their quarter-final, drawing 2-2 at home to Celje. However, a 2-1 first-leg win in Slovenia secured the Serie A side’s place in the semi-finals with a 4-3 aggregate win. This is the third consecutive season that Fiorentina have reached the semi-finals of the Conference League – an unprecedented record in the competition’s history.

With the desire to end their decades-long European title drought, the purple team is determined. The match between Betis and Fiorentina is considered the most evenly matched match in the Conference League semi-finals this season.

Meanwhile, the remaining semi-final match between Chelsea and Djurgarden is somewhat inclined towards the English team. With a superior force, Chelsea is predicted to easily overcome the Swedish representative to win a ticket to the final, where they will face Betis or Fiorentina.

The final in Wroclaw promises to be a stage for historic moments, because apart from Chelsea, mid-table European teams all consider the Conference League an important title.

So the clash between Betis or Fiorentina has special significance for Antony and De Gea. From being teammates at Manchester United, they are now rivals, each carrying the responsibility of making history for his team.

De Gea is on fire with Fiorentina.

Betis, with Antony in the mix, will face a solid defence led by De Gea, both of whom are enjoying dream days after a difficult spell at Manchester United.

Two heroes

Antony and David de Gea have been at the centre of controversy over their form at Old Trafford.

Before moving to Betis on loan this season, Antony played 4 matches for Manchester United in the Europa League. In the Conference League, he became a mainstay for Betis, appearing in 6 matches and playing an important role in the La Liga representative's play.

Betis have flourished since Antony joined the squad. And if Betis win the Conference League, while Manchester United win the Europa League, Antony could become the first player in history to win two European club trophies in the same season.

For Betis, it is a surprise that this is only their first European semi-final. After years in the shadow of Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid, Atletico and even Bilbao, Sevilla and Villarreal, Betis are creating their own legacy in Europe. Antony has played a key role in that success.

On the opposite side, David de Gea is a solid wall in the Fiorentina goal. His team is unbeaten in 7 matches in the Conference League, showing stability and bravery.

De Gea, with extensive experience from his years at Manchester United, is a key factor helping the Serie A representative nurture hopes of conquering the first title in the European arena since the UEFA Winners Cup in 1961.

History awaits Antony and De Gea, although in the end, only one former Manchester United player will enjoy the joy. However, what the duo have achieved since leaving Old Trafford will remain in the eyes of fans for a long time.

Martinelli's goal sealed the victory for Arsenal. In the early morning of April 17, Arsenal defeated Real 2-1 in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Bernabeu.

Source: https://znews.vn/antony-va-de-gea-cuoc-doi-dau-lich-su-post1546880.html