Barcelona opens UCL campaign with 5-0 rout of Antwerp
A Stellar Start of Barcelona
Barcelona commenced their UEFA Champions League journey with a resounding 5-0 triumph over Royal Antwerp at the Camp Nou on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.
First-Half Dominance

The host team wasted no time in asserting their dominance. In the 15th minute, João Félix found the back of the net, capitalizing on an exquisite sequence involving Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gündogan.
Lewandowski Strikes
Barcelona extended their lead in the 30th minute when Robert Lewandowski unleashed a powerful header from Gündogan’s corner, leaving the opposition stunned.
Second-Half Flourish
The second half saw Barcelona maintain their stronghold, securing three more goals to solidify their lead. Gavi netted the third goal in the 54th minute, while João Félix secured his second goal of the match in the 66th minute. Ansu Fati put the final exclamation point on the match with a goal in the 80th minute.
Antwerp’s Struggles
While Antwerp had a few opportunities, they struggled to find the back of the net, leaving Barcelona’s defense unscathed.
Group H Ascendancy
Barcelona’s convincing victory propels them to the top of Group H with three points, setting a promising tone for their Champions League campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Dynamic Attacking Trio: Barcelona’s attacking trio of Lewandowski, Félix, and Fati demonstrated exceptional prowess, contributing to four of the team’s five goals and challenging Antwerp’s defense consistently.
- Midfield Maestros: The midfield tandem of Gündogan and Pedri showcased remarkable performances. They played pivotal roles in several of the team’s goals and adeptly controlled the game’s tempo.
- Solid Defensive Display: Barcelona’s defense delivered a clean sheet, marking a noteworthy rebound following their concession of five goals in their recent La Liga match.

In summary, Barcelona’s performance was nothing short of impressive. They exhibited dominance from kickoff to the final whistle, thoroughly deserving their commanding victory in the UEFA Champions League opener.
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