It was an annihilation of Royal Antwerp in the Estadio Olimpic Lluis Companys by Xavi Hernandez men. Goals from Joao Felix, Lewandowski, Gavi, and an own goal from Royal Antwerp defender Jelle Bataille. The score line was a reflection of the performance put in by Barcelona. Xavi Hernandez made just two changes in the starting 11 that faced Real Betis few days ago. Oriol Romeu and Ferran Torres didn’t start the game as Xavi opted for Gundogan and Raphinha.
Joao Felix who was on the scoresheet against Real Betis scored the opening goal for Fc Barcelona in their first UCL game. A quick one two pass from Lewandowski to Gundogan, before Gundogan could find Felix at the edge of the box of Antwerp to beat the goalkeeper far away.
It didn’t end there as a through ball from Frenkie De Jong who was exceptionally found Joao Felix at the right flank from 25 yards out, and the Portuguese didn’t waste time in finding Lewandowski inside the box to make it 2-0 in twenty minutes into the game. In quick succession, Barcelona were relentless in their attack as Raphinha made a cross into the box from the left corner of and a deflection of the ball could beat the goalkeeper from close range.
Royal Antwerp failed to threaten the defense and goalkeeper of Fc Barcelona as they were found chasing Barcelona through out the game and staying deep in their defense trying to stop the Blaugrana attacks. Cancelo should great footwork with the ball and Jules Kounde put up a magnificent performance that didn’t go unnoticed. Gundogan and Gavi were exceptionally great in their position. Gavi goal came 9 minutes into the second half as he got on a rolling back in the box and blast home from close range to beat the keeper and make it 4-0. Gavi scored his first Champions League goal in his career.
The last goal came from a cross from Raphinha found Joao Felix head after missing Lewandowski. Barcelona controlled the tempo of the game with ease and Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez was brought on to replace Raphinha & Joao Felix. Sergio Roberto also came in to replace Cancelo with 15 minutes left to play. Lamine Yamal became the youngest Barcelona player to ever play in the Champions League breaking the record previously held by Ansu Fati.
PLAYERS RATING
1. TER STEGEN 7/10
He wasn’t tested much but had a great game and kept a clean sheet.
2. JULES KOUNDE 8.5/10
Kounde had an excellent game and put up a great performance and kept his backline in check while also pushing upfront looking for a goal.
3. CHRISTENSEN 8/10
Christensen performance lately has been going unnoticed and under appreciated. He had a good game and didn’t lose his footing.
4. ALEJANDRO BALDE 8/10
Looked sharp in attack but just have to work more on his final passes and crosses into the box. He would be very good in attack with his pace and how he effortlessly beat defenders with ease.
5. JOAO CANCELO 8.3/10
He is well known for his attacking threat upfront, but his versatility is a great attribute for Xavi who loves attacking football with possession. Cancelo converted and played a lot in the midfield whenever Antwerp lost the ball. His footwork on the ball is also extremely good and this is what Barcelona has lacked for years since Dani Alves left the club in 2015.
6. IKAY GUNDOGAN 8.1/10
He is a leader everyone can look up to and learn a thing or two from. He combines well with the attackers and creates lots of chances. He assisted the first goal for Joao Cancelo and could’ve scored a goal of his own but his effort was blocked.
7. FRENKIE DE JONG 8/10
He didn’t get a goal or assist but his playmaking is one of his great attributes that makes him the best in his position. His ability to pick up the attacks from yards off and give that through ball/pass with precision and accuracy is what every manager would love to have. His possessive carrying ball is exceptional also. A great game and a great performance.
8. PABLO GAVI 8/10
Gavi plays week in and week out with great strength and stamina without getting tire. He defends, attacks, presses high, scores, assists, give the dirty tackles for his team. He is a team player and he found the net last week as he blast home with his weak foot to score his first Champions League goal.
9. RAPHINHA 8.5/10
Raphinha was instrumental in attack especially in the Barcelona third and fifth goal.
10. JOAO FELIX 9/10
He scored the first goal and last goal while also setting up Lewandowski for the second. So far he has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist in 2 consecutive games in which he started. It’s safe to say the left wing is cover.
11. LEWANDOWSKI 8.5/10
Lewandowski scored his 100th Champions League goal. He has been in great form this season and so far the 4-3-3 set up favors him very well. He doesn’t have to sit deep waiting for the ball.
12. SERGIO ROBERTO 6/10
13. LAMINE YAMAL 6/10
14. ORIOL ROMEU 6/10
15. FERRAN TORRES 6.5/10
16. FERMIN LOPEZ 6/10