Joao Felix and Lewandowski shine as Barcelona make UCL statement against Antwerp

Barcelona laid down the gauntlet for other teams in this season’s UEFA Champions League after smashing Royal Antwerp 5-0 in their opening match of the campaign to go top of their group. 

The Blaugrana were helped by a special performance from new boy Joao Felix, who scored twice and provided an assist for Robert Lewandowski’s 100th European goal as Barcelona ran riot over their inexperienced guests. 

Further goals from youngster Gavi and an own goal from Antwerp’s Jelle Bataille completed the statement win as Barcelona started their UCL Campaign on the strongest foot. 

After being knocked out at the group stage of the last two tournaments, Barcelona were keen to start the 2023/24 campaign on the right foot and were in front after only 11 minutes as Joao Felix turned in a brilliant Ilkay Gundigan pass to make it 1-0. 

Felix turned provider when his cross was converted at the far post by Lewandowski, who scored a landmark goal to double the Blaugrana’s lead. 

New signing Joao Felix also grabbed a piece of history, becoming only the fourth Barcelona player to both score and assist on his UEFA Champions League debut for the club. 

After the second goal, the match turned into a procession for the Blaugrana, who punished their visitors with another goal before the break, although the goal in question was scored by a player on the Belgian champion’s team. 

Antwerp’s 24-year-old fullback, Jelle Bataille, was helpless as he inadvertently turned the ball into his own goal to give Barcelona a 3-0 lead after attempting to block a cross from Raphinha. 

Barcelona refused to step off the pedal after the restart and soon made it 4-0 when youngster Gavi profited off a superb assist by Lewandowski to score his first goal of the new season. 

It was soon 5-0 to Barcelona, as Joao Felix completed his brace and the rout with a header at the far post from a deep cross from Raphinha. 

Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal, who came on as a substitute to become the youngest player to represent the Blaugrana in the UEFA Champions League, became the youngest player to score for the club in Europe but failed to convert after rounding the goalkeeper late on. 

The reigning LaLiga champions now top Group H of the 2023/24 UCL and will be hoping to continue in similar fashion after starting their campaign with a bang.