Antwerp won 3-2 against Barcelona
Antwerp bid adieu to the Champions League in a thrilling manner, claiming a 3-2 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday, highlighted by 17-year-old forward George Ilenikhena’s stoppage-time goal. Despite Antwerp’s previous five losses, they secured the last spot in Group H.
Meanwhile, Barcelona, having already secured a spot in the knockout stage, concluded at the group’s summit despite the defeat. With little at stake, Antwerp initiated an aggressive attack from the outset, resulting in a game marked by unexpected turns. The hosts applied immediate high-pressure tactics, crafting their initial opportunity within the opening minute.
Their assertiveness paid off with an early goal from 18-year-old Arthur Vermeeren, breaking the deadlock. Ferran Torres equalized for the Spanish side before Antwerp’s Vincent Janssen edged them ahead 2-1 in the second half. Marc Guiu momentarily silenced the home crowd with an added-time goal from a set piece, but despair swiftly turned to fervent jubilation as Ilenikhena swiftly restored Antwerp’s lead a minute later.
Barcelona underwent seven changes from their recent 4-2 home defeat against Girona in the Spanish league. Despite this, Coach Xavi fielded a competitive lineup featuring Robert Lewandowski leading the attack, alongside promising talent Lamine Yamal on the right and Torres on the opposite flank.
Reflecting on the match, Xavi commented, “It was a challenging and intense game. They displayed aggression and were solid defensively. We didn’t perform at our best. We were uncomfortable. However, our primary goal was securing a spot in the round of 16, and we’ve accomplished that. We eagerly await the draw on Monday.”
Vermeeren capitalized on a mistake by Barcelona goalkeeper Inaki Pena, intercepting a pass intended for Oriol Romeu, subsequently slotting the ball into the net to put Antwerp ahead. Despite the setback, Antwerp continued their offensive onslaught until Barcelona capitalized on a rare counter-attacking opportunity, with Torres equalizing in the 35th minute after a precise pass from Yamal.
Maintaining their intensity after halftime, both teams pushed forward. Janssen had a goal disallowed due to an offside position, while Yamal struck the crossbar, creating a captivating start to the second half. Antwerp persisted in their aggressive approach, and Janssen finally found the net in the 56th minute after Alhassan Yussuf’s interception from Romeu.
Xavi made three substitutions, introducing Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri, and Joao Cancelo for the final 30 minutes. Antwerp staunchly defended their lead until Guiu scored from Gundogan’s free-kick, before Ilenikhena’s late heroics. Elsewhere in the group, second-placed Porto defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-3, securing progression alongside Barcelona.
Shakhtar settled for third place with nine points, a substantial six-point lead over Antwerp. Shakhtar Donetsk, finishing third in the group standings with nine points, maintained a comfortable six-point lead over Antwerp, despite the Belgian side’s valiant effort in their final match against Barcelona.
The Ukrainian club’s 5-3 loss to second-placed Porto didn’t affect their advancement prospects, ensuring their progression in the competition. Antwerp’s farewell to the Champions League may have been bittersweet, marked by a memorable victory over Barcelona, but their journey through the group stage was a testament to their competitive spirit.
Despite facing formidable opponents and enduring a string of defeats, their determination and attacking flair were on display until the final whistle of their campaign. As the focus shifts to the upcoming draw for the knockout stage, both Barcelona and Porto will anticipate their next challenges in the tournament, seeking to build on their performances in the group phase.
For Antwerp, their exit from the Champions League serves as a learning experience and a platform to further develop their young talent, setting their sights on future competitions to make their mark on the European stage. The group stage marks the beginning of heightened anticipation for the knockout phase of the Champions League.
Teams that have secured their places in the round of 16, including Barcelona and Porto, will now eagerly await the draw to discover their opponents in the next stage of the competition. Barcelona, despite the setback against Antwerp, will look to regroup and strengthen their approach under the guidance of coach Xavi.
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