FC Barcelona began their 2023/24 UEFA Champions League campaign in style with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Belgian side Antwerp at the Camp Nou. João Félix was the star of the show for the hosts, scoring twice and providing an assist. Robert Lewandowski also got on the scoresheet, reaching the milestone of 100 goals in UEFA competitions.
Barcelona dominated the match from start to finish, and they could have scored even more goals. Ansu Fati and Gavi both hit the woodwork, while Pedri had a goal ruled out for offside.
Overall, it was a very impressive performance from Barcelona, and they will be hoping to build on this momentum when they face Bayern Munich in their next Champions League match.
Match details:
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona
Date: September 19, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM CET
Match report:
Barcelona made a flying start to the match and took the lead in the 19th minute through João Félix. The Portuguese forward cut inside from the left and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Barcelona doubled their lead in the 23rd minute through Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker finished off a fine team move, involving Raphinha and Félix, with a clinical finish.
Barcelona continued to dominate possession in the first half, and they could have scored even more goals. Ansu Fati and Gavi both hit the woodwork, while Pedri had a goal ruled out for offside.
Antwerp had a few chances to get back into the game in the second half, but Barcelona were comfortable winners in the end.
Félix added his second goal of the match in the 63rd minute, finishing off a flowing team move with a cool finish. Gavi then made it 4-0 in the 70th minute, with a long-range shot that took a deflection off an Antwerp defender.
Barcelona added a fifth goal in the 85th minute through substitute Sergiño Dest. The American forward finished off a counter-attack with a clinical finish.
Lineups:
FC Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Araujo, Koundé, Christensen; Balde, Pedri, Gavi, Sergi Roberto; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Félix
Antwerp:
Butez; De Laet, Pacho, Alderweireld, Vines; Nainggolan, Gerkens; Balikwisha, Muja, Miyoshi; Frey
Overall, it was a very good performance from Barcelona, and they will be hoping to build on this momentum when they face Bayern Munich in their next Champions League match.
