Antony ‘owns’ David de Gea again! Real Betis star curls home beautiful free-kick against ex-Man Utd team-mate before setting up decisive goal against Fiorentina as Spanish side set up Conference League final clash with Chelsea
Antony ‘owns’ David De Gea again! Real Betis star curls home beautiful free-kick against ex-Man Utd team-mate before setting up decisive goal against Fiorentina as Spanish side set up Conference League final clash with Chelsea. It was a match that had everything—drama, redemption, brilliance—and at the center of it all was Real Betis winger Antony. On a night where stars shine brightest, Antony once again delivered a moment that will be replayed across Europe.
In this detailed breakdown, we’ll analyze the key moments, the tactical setup, player performances, and the broader implications of Betis’s semi-final victory as they now prepare for a showdown with Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League final.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Result | Real Betis 2-1 Fiorentina |
| Date | May 8, 2025 |
| Competition | UEFA Europa Conference League Semi-final |
| Key Moment | Antony free-kick goal vs De Gea |
| Assist | Antony sets up Nabil Fekir for winning goal |
| Opposition Keeper | David De Gea (ex-Man United) |
| Upcoming Final | Betis vs Chelsea |
| Stadium for Final | Agia Sophia Stadium, Athens |
| Trending Quote | “Antony owns David De Gea again!” |
Antony ‘Owns’ David De Gea Again! Flashback or Future Statement?
The headline “Antony ‘owns’ David De Gea again!” isn’t just tabloid hype—it’s a statement grounded in recent history. The Brazilian winger previously got the better of De Gea during his Manchester United days. Now wearing the green of Real Betis, Antony produced a moment of magic that rekindled those memories—and added a new chapter.
In the 34th minute of the semi-final, Betis were awarded a free-kick from 25 yards out. With a poised run-up and his signature whip, Antony curled a stunning effort past a rooted De Gea. It was a goal that changed the tone of the match—and perhaps even shifted the balance of the competition.
Tactical Breakdown: How Real Betis Outclassed Fiorentina
While Antony grabbed the headlines, Betis’s overall team strategy deserves attention. Under manager Manuel Pellegrini, the Spanish side executed a smart, high-tempo plan that frustrated Fiorentina’s midfield.
- Midfield Shape: Guido Rodríguez played a key holding role, shielding the back four and neutralizing Fiorentina’s playmakers.
- Wingers Tucked In: Both Antony and Luiz Henrique were instructed to play narrower in attack, offering overloads in central areas.
- Pressing Triggers: Betis applied intelligent pressure as soon as Fiorentina crossed midfield, leading to multiple turnovers.
It was from such a turnover that Antony assisted the second goal, threading a clever ball into Nabil Fekir, who finished clinically in the 72nd minute.
Antony ‘Owns’ David De Gea Again! But Is It Personal or Just Professional?
This isn’t the first time Antony ‘owns’ David De Gea again has made headlines. But is there more to it than just coincidence? While there’s no public feud, Antony clearly rises to the occasion when De Gea is in goal. Whether it’s familiarity from training days or just elite confidence, the Brazilian doesn’t hesitate to test his former teammate—and it’s paying off.
Fans have taken to social media with comparisons, memes, and even mini highlight reels showing Antony’s repeated success against the veteran keeper. Betis supporters are already calling him “De Gea’s Kryptonite.”
Player Ratings: Stars of the Night
- Antony (9.5/10): Goal, assist, and relentless creativity on the wing.
- Nabil Fekir (8.5/10): Clinical finish and strong link-up play throughout.
- Guido Rodríguez (8/10): Controlled midfield with discipline and aggression.
- David De Gea (6/10): Made decent saves but couldn’t stop the crucial moments.
The Road Ahead – Can Betis Upset Chelsea in the Final?
Now that the Spanish side has booked their place in the UEFA Conference League final, the big question is: can they finish the job against Chelsea?
On paper, Chelsea has the deeper squad and more experience in European finals. But what Betis has is momentum, unity, and an in-form match-winner in Antony. If he plays with the same hunger and finesse, the Blues might be in for a rude awakening.
Expect a tactical chess match, especially with Chelsea’s disciplined defensive line and midfield control. But as we’ve seen—if Antony finds space, anything can happen.
External Media Coverage and Reaction
Antony’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by international press. Spain’s AS called his free-kick “pure Brazilian samba.” Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport lamented Fiorentina’s lack of answer to Betis’s tactical pressing. Meanwhile, Sky Sports highlighted the “reunion with De Gea” as one of the night’s key narratives.
For further reading, visit UEFA’s official match summary.
FAQs
What happened between Antony and David De Gea in the Betis vs Fiorentina match?
Antony scored a stunning free-kick past De Gea and assisted the match-winning goal, showcasing his dominance against his former Manchester United teammate.
Why is the phrase “Antony owns David De Gea again” trending?
The Brazilian winger has scored multiple memorable goals against De Gea in different competitions, and fans have noticed the recurring pattern, especially given their shared past at Man Utd.
Who will Real Betis face in the Conference League final?
Betis will face Chelsea in the final after defeating Fiorentina in the semi-final.
Where and when is the final taking place?
The UEFA Conference League final will be held at the Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens on May 29, 2025.
Is Antony the best player of the tournament so far?
He’s certainly one of the standout performers, especially after his decisive role in the semi-final.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Win – It’s a Statement
Antony ‘owns’ David De Gea again! But this isn’t just about one player outshining another—it’s about a star rising on the European stage. With Real Betis now set for a historic final against Chelsea, the world will be watching. And if Antony has anything to say about it, there’s more magic to come.
From a brilliant free-kick to a perfect assist, Antony didn’t just beat De Gea—he reminded Europe that he’s a match-winner, a game-changer, and possibly the key to Betis’s European dreams.