Posted in F.C.Barcelona, Antwerp, UEFA champions league

Barcelona Dominates Royal Antwerp with a 5-0 Victory in the Champions League Opener

 September 19, 2023

Barcelona’s Joyful Triumph

Barcelona commenced its journey in the UEFA Champions League with a resounding 5-0 victory over Royal Antwerp of Belgium at Montjuïc Stadium in the first match of Group H.

Early Goals Set the Tone

The Blaugrana began the match with relentless pressure and quickly saw João Félix open the scoring in the 11th minute. He received a precise pass from İlkay Gündoğan, skillfully dribbled past Antwerp’s defender, and confidently slotted the ball into the net.

Shortly thereafter, Barcelona added a second goal through Robert Lewandowski in the 19th minute. Félix delivered a perfect cross into the box, and the Polish striker volleyed it past the goalkeeper.

In the 22nd minute, Antwerp’s misfortune continued as Ravinia attempted to send a cross from the left wing, but it deflected off Gilli Batayi, Antwerp’s defender, and nestled into their own net, giving Barcelona a commanding 3-0 lead.

Antwerp’s Frustration and Barcelona’s Dominance

Ravinya had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 44th minute with a low shot, but it was easily held by Ter Stegen, leaving the score 3-0 in favor of Barcelona at halftime.

In the second half, Barcelona continued to assert its dominance. In the 47th minute, Ravinia played a cross into the box for Gündoğan, whose shot was calmly saved by the goalkeeper.

Gabby added the fourth goal for Barcelona in the 54th minute, capitalizing on the team’s efforts inside the penalty area. His well-placed shot found the bottom right corner of the net.

João Cancelo had a chance to extend the lead in the 65th minute, but his shot hit the outside of Antwerp’s goal.

Félix Completes the Rout

Ravinia delivered a cross from the right wing to João Félix in the 65th minute, and he rose above the defenders to head the ball into the net, completing his personal brace and securing Barcelona’s fifth goal.

Substitute Lamine Yamal missed an opportunity to score the sixth goal, but he shot wide of the target in the 76th minute.

Barcelona maintained control throughout the match, and the referee signaled the end of the game, confirming Barcelona’s comprehensive victory.

With this win, Barcelona tops Group H with 3 points, tied with second-placed Porto, while Royal Antwerp sits at the bottom of the table without any points.

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