Soccer Football – Champions League – Barcelona vs. Royal Antwerp – A Thrilling 5-0 Victory for Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain – September 19, 2023 – Barcelona’s newest addition, Joao Felix, showcased his talents with two goals in a stunning 5-0 triumph over Royal Antwerp in their Champions League Group H opener at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday. After experiencing consecutive disappointments in the group stage, Barcelona delivered a football clinic to the debutants, overwhelming them with their dominant possession and exquisite passing. Alongside Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Gavi also found the back of the net.

“I believe this victory, along with the 5-0 win against Betis on Saturday, represents the highest level of play we have reached since I took charge,” stated coach Xavi Hernandez. “This is the path we aspire to stay on. The team has made me tremendously proud.”

Felix, who was signed just before the transfer deadline, opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a precise low strike. He then provided an assist for Lewandowski, who scored the team’s second goal in the 19th minute, becoming only the third player in European competition history to reach 100 goals, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Antwerp’s misfortune continued as Raphinha’s strike deflected off defender Jelle Bataille, resulting in an own goal and extending Barcelona’s lead to 3-0 after 22 minutes.

Antwerp had a chance to salvage some hope on the stroke of halftime when winger Arbnor Muja unleashed a low effort, but goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen made a crucial save. In the second half, Barcelona displayed their determination to further increase their advantage in their record-breaking 28th Champions League group-stage campaign, sharing the record with arch-rivals Real Madrid. Gavi joined the scoring frenzy with a thunderous shot into the roof of the net, making it 4-0. Felix then capped off the rout with a brilliant header.

Barcelona’s dominance was evident with their 22 goal attempts compared to Antwerp’s meager three. Antwerp, competing in the Champions League for the first time in over six decades after clinching their domestic league title last season, couldn’t match Barcelona’s prowess.

“Barcelona’s first three shots on target resulted in three goals,” remarked Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel. “They are on a completely different level. Their fluid play is something we aspire to achieve, but we still have a long way to go. Nevertheless, it’s a valuable learning experience for us.”

In the other Group H clash, Porto defeated Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in Hamburg.

Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris and Clare Fallon

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