At 2:00 am on May 27 (Vietnam time), the Europa League final of the 2020-21 season will take place at Energa Gdansk Stadium in Gdansk City (Poland). The two players in the decisive match are Villarreal - the team that went through a 14-match unbeaten journey, and Manchester United - the team that received tickets to the Champions League after the group stage.
In terms of reputation and tradition, Villarreal are far behind their opponents. Although founded in 1923, it was not until the late 1990s that they first appeared in La Liga - the highest division in Spain, and this was the first time they qualified for the European Cup final.
Meanwhile, in addition to the 20 English championships, this is the 8th time Man United has appeared in the European Cup final, with 3 C1/Champions League championships, 1 C2 Cup and 1 Europa League. Therefore, despite having the nickname "Golden Submarine Boat", the team from the town of only 50,000 people is too small compared to the "Red Devils".
However, when entering the final, the chance is always 50-50, because history has repeatedly proven the "turns" of the teams that are rated lower. In the previous 4 meetings with Villarreal in the Champions League, all 4 matches were... tied 0-0.
The two teams have strong teams but their individual roles will create "hot spots" that can decide the match.
Gerard Moreno v Victor Lindelof
In Villarreal's unbeaten record, they have only failed to score in one match. Moreno, 29, is the key, with 6 goals and 4 assists. The Spaniard has scored a total of 31 goals for Villarreal this season and will of course be a clear threat.
For Moreno, when Man United are without Harry Maguire, it will be Lindelof. The Swedish centre-back has gradually found his feet after an unstable start to life at Man United. However, he will be "done" very carefully in the task of preventing opponents from being physically strong but speed and intelligence.
Pau Torres v Edinson Cavani
This is a match between the striker who has just pledged his future to the Red Devils and someone that the Old Trafford team really wants to buy.
At the age of 24, the Spanish defender is being pursued by a series of big teams thanks to his very " cool" left foot and excellent passing ability to develop play from home.
Man United consider him the perfect partner for Maguire and they will be verified when facing Cavani.
10 years older than his opponent, perhaps there is no need to introduce more about Cavani. Only know that, having never won the European championship trophy, he will not lack motivation. Man United's chance of winning the championship is in proportion to the way the Uruguayan striker shows his quirkiness.
Etienne Capoue vs Bruno Fernandes
Capoue is 32 years old and knows he will have a tough test against Fernandes in Poland. Capoue has the physical strength and height advantage, but can he catch Fernandes in dangerous positions against Villarreal's defense?
Statistics show that Fernandes is unstoppable and there is no doubt that the Portuguese midfielder is one of the most worth-watching factors in the final. But don't underestimate Capoue, who only arrived at Villarreal in January 2021 and showed more than he expected.
Unai Emery vs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Villarreal may be weak but Emery is certainly not weak. With the Spaniard known as the King of the Europa League, Solskjaer must be on guard against the tactics he faces.
Fighting against chess on the pitch is one thing, dealing with the "invisible" is the scary thing, requiring the Norwegian coach to be more determined in his direction.
