Barcelona commenced their Champions League campaign with a resounding victory over Royal Antwerp, showcasing their dominance in the match. Under the guidance of manager Xavi, the Catalan side swiftly established a commanding lead, with three goals in the opening 23 minutes.
These goals were crafted by the talents of Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski, and an unfortunate own goal credited to Jelle Bataille.
Adding to their tally, young prospect Gavi contributed the fourth goal before Joao Felix secured his second goal after halftime, providing Barcelona with a flawless beginning to their Champions League journey.
It’s worth noting that Barcelona, despite being the reigning La Liga champions, had faced early exits in the group stage during their previous two Champions League campaigns.
On the other hand, Antwerp, who had clinched the Belgian title in the previous season, marking their debut in the Champions League, struggled to match the home team’s precision in passing and finishing.
While Barcelona’s quest for a Champions League title has eluded them since 2015, their performance in this match evoked memories of their illustrious past, particularly the era when Xavi orchestrated their midfield alongside the likes of Mark van Bommel, who now found himself in the opposing dugout as the manager of Antwerp, while Xavi assumed the helm at Barcelona.
In this contemporary iteration of Barcelona, the creative duties in midfield fall to Ilkay Gundogan. His pivotal role was evident when, on the 11th minute, he orchestrated an elegant exchange with Lewandowski, ultimately setting up Joao Felix, who confidently dispatched the ball into the net at the near post.
The lead was further solidified just eight minutes later, courtesy of a splendid long pass from Frenkie de Jong to Joao Felix, stationed in the left area of the box. The Portuguese forward, currently on loan from Atletico Madrid, provided a precise cross for Lewandowski, who volleyed the ball home from close range.
Antwerp’s Champions League debut took a nightmarish turn as they conceded their third goal through an unfortunate deflection. Alejandro Balde’s cross inadvertently struck right-back Jelle Bataille, causing the ball to agonizingly loop over goalkeeper Jean Butez and find its way into the net via the far post.
Barcelona’s midfield dominance allowed them to control the match, with Gavi scoring his first-ever Champions League goal by rifling the ball into the roof of the net in the 54th minute.
The scoring spree was fittingly concluded by the electrifying Joao Felix, whose second goal was a testament to Raphinha’s pinpoint left-footed cross. The former Leeds United player skillfully cut back on the right flank before delivering an unstoppable ball that Joao Felix nodded home at the far post.