We are back again in the Champions League! Barcelona were able to secure a spot in Pot 1 of the UCL draw after winning the league title last season. That usually means easier draws. On paper, Barcelona got just that this season. But we all know how things unfold in the Champions League. Whether it's a big team or small team, perennial or novice, it's anyone's game. That's what makes it so thrilling. Thankfully for Barça, they're beginning their campaign with the right form, squad and mentality, following a thumping 5-0 win at home over Real Betis.
Barcelona might've had the easiest of draws in years, but there's a narrative they have to squash. Consecutive group stage exits is a dent on the image of a club of Barcelona's caliber. A third is unimaginable. While expectations are measured, it's still thought that Xavi's men should find a way to the knockouts with relative ease. And it starts today.
Their first opponents, Royal Antwerp, will be making a historical debut in the champions league, after defeating AEK Athens in the playoffs. They are currently the best team in Belgium, achieving an unprecedented domestic treble last season. Their start to the season has been very decent , losing once and coming into this time on the back of a 3-0 win at Westerlo. They are currently coached by former Barcelona man Mark Van Bommel, so i guess we know what to expect from them in terms of playing style. They may be the little boys of the group, but they shouldn't be underestimated in any way.
INTERESTING STATS
- This is Royal Antwerp's first outing in Europe's premier competition.
- Both sides have met twice thus far, with both meetings taking place in the erstwhile Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in the 1965-66 season. Both teams recorded home wins, though Barça progressed to the next round on 3-2 aggregate.
- Barcelona remain unbeaten this season, winning 4 of their 5 games so far. At home, they have a 100% record, winning two games with an aggregate score of 7-0.
-The visitors have suffered just 1 defeat in all competitions this season, with that defeat coming in their away game at Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League.
- The hosts have secured just 2 wins in their last 8 Champions League outings while suffering 4 defeats in that period.
TEAM NEWS
Barcelona
The comprehensive victory over Betis was the perfect moral booster ahead of their UCL curtain raiser. Much changes shouldn't be expected from the XI that started over the weekend. Pedri and Ronald Araujo remain unavailable, though the latter is very close to a discharge. Fermin Lopez is back in the squad.
Marc Andre TerStegen, João Cancelo, Jules Koundé, Andreas Christensen and Alejandro Balde are almost certain to start. Gündoğan came off the bench against Betis, with the hope of him being able to start this one, but who gives way between Romeu, Gavi and DeJong?
João Felix was outstanding in his home debut and is expected to support Lewandowski in attack here as well. Raphinha came off the bench over the weekend, gave a great cameo and will likely complete the attack ahead of Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal.
Royal Antwerp
Antwerp will be without the services of Ortwin De Wolf, Davino Verhulst, Bjorn Engels, Sam Vines and Kobe Corbanie for the contest with Barcelona through injury. That doesn't mean they still don't have quality though.
Jean Butez will be between the sticks and shielded by the back 4 of Jelle Bataille, Zeno Van Den Bosch, Soumaila Coulibaly and Ritchie De Laet.
In the centre of the park, Mandela Keita will star alongside Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Barcelona target Arthur Vermeeren.
Vincent Janssen, their top scorer so far, will lead the attack and be flanked by Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Arbnor Muja.
Where are Barcelona vs Antwerp playing?
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Stadium: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys
Date: Tuesday 19 September
Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Referee: Radu Petrescu (ROU)
VAR: Catalin Popa (ROU)
Barcelona will definitely want to retain their La Liga crown, but even more so, improve their overall stance in Europe. There are no small potatoes in the champions league, and no one deserves to be underestimated, which is why Barcelona must be at their very best against Royal Antwerp.