On September 19, Reuters, BARCELONA, Spain In their Champions League Group H opener at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Tuesday, Barcelona’s new attacker Joao Felix scored twice in a 5-0 thumping of visiting Royal Antwerp.
Following two straight losses in the group stage, Barca performed a football masterclass for Antwerp, controlling possession and distributing the ball quickly as Felix, Lewandowski, and Gavi all scored.
“This is probably the best quality of play we’ve produced since I took over, between this win and the 5-0 against Betis on Saturday,” head coach Xavi Hernandez remarked.
impulsive signing Felix scored the first goal for the home team in the eleventh minute with a low shot inside the near post.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the Portuguese then set up Robert Lewandowski inside the box to increase their lead eight minutes later. Lewandowski, a striker from Poland, became the third player in European tournament history to reach 100 goals.
When Raphinha’s effort from a close angle rebounded off defender Jelle Bataille for an own goal after 22 minutes, the five-time European champions were ahead 3-0.
Just before the half, goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen denied winger Arbnor Muja’s low shot from the edge of the box, giving the visitors a brief moment of hope.
Having tied Real Madrid for the competition record with 28 group-stage campaigns, Barcelona came back from the break hungry to extend their lead.
Their wait was short lived, as Gavi
promptly made it 4-0 at Barca’s temporary home while Camp Nou is being renovated. Felix then added another goal with a header to cap the carnage.
Barca’s superiority was evident in their 22 goal attempts as opposed to just 3 for Antwerp, who were participating in the Champions League following their first domestic league championship in over 60 years the previous season.
Following their participation in the European Cup during the 1957–58 season, this is the Belgian team’s fifth consecutive campaign in Europe and their second in the top club competition on the continent.
Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel stated, “(Barcelona’s) first three shots on target were three goals for them.”
They are the best in the world. They continue to play, tap, and turn, so that makes sense. Although we’re still a long way from there, it’s okay. It’s a crucial teaching moment for us.”
In the other Group H match, Porto defeated Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian champions, 3-1 in Hamburg.
FAQs
1.Who scored the goals for Barcelona in their Champions League Group H opener?Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski, and Gavi all scored for Barcelona.
2.What was the final score in Barcelona’s match against Royal Antwerp?Barcelona won the match 5-0 against Royal Antwerp.
3.Who is the head coach of Barcelona?Xavi Hernandez is the head coach of Barcelona.
4.Who is Joao Felix, and how did he contribute to the match?Joao Felix is Barcelona’s new attacker who scored two goals and set up Robert Lewandowski’s goal in the match.
5.How did Robert Lewandowski make history in the match?Robert Lewandowski became the third player in European tournament history to reach 100 goals with his goal in the match.
6.Which player scored an own goal for Antwerp?Defender Jelle Bataille scored an own goal for Antwerp.
7.How many group-stage campaigns has Barcelona participated in?Barcelona has participated in 28 group-stage campaigns, tying the competition record.
8.What is the significance of this Champions League campaign for Antwerp?This is Antwerp’s fifth consecutive campaign in Europe and their second in the top club competition on the continent following their first domestic league championship in over 60 years.
9.Who won the other Group H match?Porto defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 in the other Group H match.
10.What was the key factor in Barcelona’s dominance in the match, according to Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel?According to Mark van Bommel, Barcelona’s ability to play, tap, and turn made them superior, and their first three shots on target resulted in goals.